On Friday, April 11, Partners in Education's ad hoc Strategic Planning Organizing Committee for Wiscasset Schools published a survey to gather community input, ideas and opinions on public education in general and specifically here, in Wiscasset. The results of the survey will be the starting point for discussion at a June strategic planning session, lead by a professional facilitator. If you have an opinion on public education in Wiscasset, or how it is financed, please take this survey and join the conversation.

So far, PIE has had 95 survey responses from a diverse population of area stakeholders; 67 percent of respondents identify themselves as Wiscasset residents, 15 percent as owners of Wiscasset businesses, and 35 percent as parents of children in Wiscasset schools. Ninety-nine percent indicated that public education is very or extremely important to the community.

Over 75 percent stress that higher quality education that truly serves the students should be the most important factor when creating the new school district. Higher standards, more offerings, and alternate modes of education are given as examples for improving schools in our area. Only 7 percent have indicated that cost should be a prime consideration in creating the new Wiscasset school district. 

Responses are divided on the buildings issue. Many wish to keep a three school system, others suggest a two school system with the third building reserved for community use. Responses include closing WPS or WMS, with efficiency and logistics (need for separate gym/cafeteria, outside play area) as a deciding factor. Those who favor becoming a k-8 town recommend putting all students in the WHS building.

What do you think about these issues? Please take the nine question, confidential survey as soon as possible. It is available in paper form at the community center, the town office and the transfer station and can be returned to any of the schools or to the folder at the transfer station. The survey can be found online at the town's website, the Partners in Education Facebook page, or directly at www.surveymonkey.com/s/PBLH9QN

For more information or to have the link emailed to you, call Kim Andersson at 207-882-9063.