Rep. Heidi Sampson (R-Alfred) gave an informative timely presentation for the public entitled “The Hidden Agenda,” on Sept. 28 at Wiscasset Community Center. Sampson is a marine biologist with a bachelor of science degree in bio/chem., who lists her occupation as an educator/farmer. Her background, as a former member of the State Board of Education and as a third term member on the Education and Cultural Affairs Committee in the Legislature, gives credence to her expertise in the education programs in Maine.

The presentation highlighted the lack of transparency in our schools and the efforts being currently rolled out in our school districts by the Maine Department of Education (MDOE) to focus on transformative social-emotional learning (SEL), mental and behavioral health programs, trauma provoking practices, critical social justice (CSJ), etc. Sampson indicated that CSJ programs undermine attachment to our nation, undermine concepts of family, undermine America’s competitive advantage in education, and sow social turmoil and antipathy.

Much reference was made to a report “Critical Social Justice in Maine K-12 Education” by Anna K. Miller and Dr. Scott Yenor (with extensive endnotes). This comprehensive report is available from the Maine Policy Institute, P.O. Box 7829, Portland, ME 04112; MainePolicy.org; or 207-321-2550. Statements from this report: “The federal government provides education funds to states annually. Generally, strings are attached to these funds: states must either spend some of the funds on nationally-mandated activity; states must accept a regulatory burden; or states must match national spending on a national priority. These strings direct programs and priorities in Maine’s education system.”

Sampson encouraged school board members and parents to work together. The COVID crisis shed a light on need for transparency in the schools. All school districts should be required by law to display their curriculum, reading lists, and teacher/staff training on their school district’s website.