thumb”¢nail (thum’nail’)
…2. anything quite small or brief,
as a small drawing or short essay
Thumbs up to the French teachers and others who recently helped coordinate an exchange program for Biddeford-Saco students, giving them the opportunity to interact with students from Nantes, France. It’s a win-win for students on both sides of the Atlantic, learning about each others’ cultures first-hand and working on their language skills all the while. Some of the local students who participated will trade roles next year when the French students host them in their own country. It’s great to see Biddeford students embracing their Franco background with the support of teachers and those in the Franco Society of Biddeford, and learning about today’s world at the same time.
Thumbs down, once again, to Biddeford’s residency requirement for its school superintendent. The resignation of Assistant Superintendent of Schools Jeff Porter last week highlights the way this requirement is keeping Biddeford from attracting top candidates. Porter, who is highly regarded and has given seven years to the Biddeford school system, said he would have applied for the superintendent’s position in Biddeford two years ago if the residency requirement did not exist, but did not want to uproot his family from Scarborough. Meanwhile, the current superintendent, Jeremy Ray, was told the rule would be changed, but has since been forced to purchase a property in Biddeford to retain his job, despite having children in the school system just over the river in Saco. Had he been told the policy was firm, this quality administrator may not have applied either. By the time school administrators have built their experience to qualify as a superintendent, they have usually also built lives in a particular town and are not looking for a major relocation. Biddeford must reconsider this policy to avoid missing out on talented, qualified candidates in the future.
Thumbs up to the Town of Kennebunkport for its long-term support of air quality monitoring. The town was recently recognized for 30 years of commitment to being a hosting site for an air pollution gauge. Readings from the monitoring system are used by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection in Augusta to give people an idea of what to expect for air quality on a particular day. These notifications are very important for those who have breathing problems and those who depend on clean air to breathe while engaging in strenuous outdoor activities. The DEP has said most of the ozone monitoring sites don’t last as long, and we’re glad Kennebunkport has continued its commitment to providing this data.
Thumbs up to financial advisor Robert Butler and to Rev. Douglas Nielsen, senior minister at the First Parish Congregational Church, both of whom will be leading free, informational seminars for the public in the coming weeks. Butler regularly gives of his time and expertise on Saturday mornings to answer financial questions, and teaches The Money Class periodically, both at Biddeford’s McArthur Public Library. Nielsen, in neighboring Saco, will be joined by a retired hospice chaplain, lawyers and doctors in a six-week series addressing end-of-life issues. Both men are doing a great public service by offering free information and guidance on two of the most important aspects of life: death and money. By preparing and learning best practices for dealing with both, people can more fully enjoy life, and we applaud Butler and Nielsen for taking the time to share these offerings and make the community stronger.
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