After reading the last few issues of the Tri-Town Weekly and learning that some Durham residents are interested in a withdrawal from RSU 5, I wanted to write and share my interest in keeping RSU 5 intact.

My husband and I with our family just bought a house in Durham. We moved here from Portland to have a more rural lifestyle and absolutely love our new home and the town of Durham. In fact, one of the reasons we moved to Durham was to be part of RSU 5.

We are excited to be part of RSU 5 and happy that our family will be able to go to Freeport High School. We’ve heard great things about RSU 5 and Freeport High.

We love what the school community of Freeport/Duham/Pownal offers us as Durham residents and parents. Freeport High is a great school. Durham Community School ratings are increasing and I’m excited to be a resident of Durham. I am excited about RSU 5 for my family’s education. And I plan to vote on April 1 that Durham does not withdraw from RSU 5.

I also understand that there are financial ramifications to withdrawal. I know these numbers are still being explored, but the amount that has been quoted is $1 million.

Why would we change something that is working for our children and incur that additional cost as residents?

We want the best education for our family, and I believe any parent would want the same. I am a trained educator and have taught in a variety of schools and environmental education programs. I have substitute taught in all of Portland and Falmouth public schools and worked at summer programs for children. I know what a quality education can do for giving children the best chance they can get to succeed in this chaotic world with growing and diverse demands.

I hope that the residents of Durham decide to forgo any future withdrawal discussions and we can all recognize the benefits that RSU 5 offers to our youth and that those who support keeping the school district intact will come out to vote on April 1.

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