My Guiding Principles for RSU 34 School Board

Schools are a cooperative effort between the students, the parents, and the school staff

• The parent is the ultimate decision maker for the child.
• The school staff are in a close and daily contact with the student and often understand student needs better than the parent.
• Stating clearly the needs and priorities of both the school and the parents is essential to prevent confusion and uncertainty in school operations.

I support and promote the essential work done by the classroom teachers

• The teacher is the person who has the most interaction with every student.
• Teachers require sufficient resources and support to be effective.
• The quality of the education that a student receives reflects this support.

I respect the insights that have been gained from research into best practices

• A small pupil/teacher ratio is an essential component of quality education.
• Core classes are supported not diminished by multiple supporting academics.
• Alternative classes that support life skills are essential and need full support.

The mission of the school board is to optimize resources

• The quality of a program is the best indicator of success.
• Students are the best sources for recognizing successful programs.
• The balance of ambitious dreams with limited resources is a hallmark of the effective school board.