The Maine House and Senate have both given initial approval to Biddeford Rep. and Mayor Alan Casavant’s bill that would allow school boards to decide whether a superintendent must live within the school district.
We were in favor of rescinding the residency requirement when the City of Biddeford proposed charter changes to the voters last November, and we stand by that recommendation.
And if the Legislature gives final approval to Casavant’s proposal, and the bill becomes law, Biddeford should follow suit and change its charter.
The major argument against limiting a superintendent’s residency is that quality candidates may not apply for, or be enticed to, a community if they must relocate to do their job. Being a superintendent requires a high level of education and certification, and the applicant pool would certainly be limited by a residency requirement.
In this day and age, it’s important for school districts to recruit superintendents who will serve their district well ”“ not just those who live down the street. It seems the requirements for landing such a job should be one’s qualifications ”“ including experience and level of dedication, rather than address.
In Biddeford’s case, Superintendent Jeremy Ray, a Saco resident, was hired in 2011 to replace longtime Superintendent Sarah-Jane Poli upon her retirement. City officials, including Casavant, have said they’re pleased with Ray’s work, and they want to keep him on board. The school board even voted to extend the deadline for Ray to move until the end of the year. If the bill is approved, the issue will become what the school board decides to do, and if the past is a predictor, Ray is likely to stay despite his city of residence and the conflict with the city charter.
Biddeford residents did vote in favor of retaining the residency requirement, though it has been debated whether the majority of them intended to do so or were confused.
Whatever voters’ reasons, if state law is changed to allow school boards to make that decision, Biddeford’s statute should reflect that change, as state law would supersede the city charter. The conflicting law should not be left on the books in Biddeford.
Moving forward, it is in Biddeford’s best interest ”“ as well as other municipalities ”“ to attract the best and brightest. And in this difficult economy, selling one’s home may not be a good decision, and it may not even be a realisitc option for some, which limits the choices of superintendents and communities in need of strong, experienced leaders.
We hope Biddeford will see the value of opening up the eligibility of superintendents beyond its borders, and retain Ray as its superintendent, as it appears he’s doing a good job and is invested in the Biddeford-Saco area.
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Today’s editorial was written by City Editor Robyn Burnham on behalf of the Journal Tribune Editorial Board. Questions? Comments? Contact Managing Editor Kristen Schulze Muszynski by calling 282-1535, Ext. 322, or via email at kristenm@journaltribune.com.
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