To: Representative Ted Koffman and Senator Dennis Damon
From: Brian Hubbell
Date: 8 January 2007
Re: Governor's proposal to consolidate school administration

Dear Ted and Dennis,

As a current member and former chair of the Bar Harbor's school committee, I want to let you know directly that I think that the Governor's current proposal to enlarge our school administration's district would be devastating to all the schools on Mount Desert Island.

As you certainly know, Mount Desert Island has always taken particular pride in its school system, not only for its vital excellence but also for the rare congruence of trust, collaboration, and extraordinary dedication that this requires between our teachers, our taxpayers, and our administrators.

Simply put, our schools are excellent because, as a community, all parties are willing to make unusual commitments. And so, similarly, because each of those parties believes that their contributions are valued, our schools do indeed remain excellent.

Within virtually every classroom. this culture is evident throughout the Union and its sustenance and constant support flows directly from our own Union 98 superintendent's office. Much more than administrative overhead and drag, our Union administration supplies the steadying vision and leadership that makes such excellence possible.

Moreover, I firmly believe that it's no coincidence that our students perform well when each student in Bar Harbor's elementary school not only knows who our superintendent is but also feels comfortable enough to greet him during his weekly visits. Poll any teacher at Conners-Emerson and I'm certain that they would tell you the same. Plainly such relationships would be impossible were our superintendent's geography exploded.

Our schools are working well here both administratively and academically. If we now rip apart their structure the way the Governor is proposing, the consequences will be horrible.

Brian Hubbell,
Bar Harbor School Committee Member
6 Park Street
Bar Harbor, 04609