Find out how we can protect our children’s education. Attend an informational meeting at  7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 10, at Scarborough Town Hall.
 
As a member of the Legislature, I have to be a part of the solution in Augusta.  That solution calls for us finding an additional $400 Million in cuts this next year - and after we’ve already slashed $500 from the State’s budget last year, it will be a difficult process.  One thing I will keep fighting for, is minimal cuts to our educational systems - especially for communities like Scarborough, who year after year, stand to loose the most State funds.  Believe or not, Scarborough has one of the most efficient school districts in the state, with minimal overhead and one of the smallest administrative costs per student.  So finding more savings wont be easy, but I’m thankful to the volunteers at SESS for stepping up to the plate and fighting for kids in our town. 
 
It wasn’t too long ago that I was an active member of the Scarborough High School community.  It was thanks to the great teachers and coaches who helped me do more than just learn English, Science, and History.  I am thankful for what Scarborough provided me in terms of a strong and supportive community.  Whether it was AP Classes, swimming, debate team, class council, or academic decathlon - it was always clear that the center of a community is its school system.  The stronger the school system, the stronger the community; it’s as simple as that. 
 
This year I’ve taken over as the Head Varsity Coach for both the Boys and Girls Swimming and Diving Teams.  We have a great group of more than 70 kids - the largest team we’ve ever had!  Each athlete already has to find a way to pay $150 just to participate.  I shutter to think of what next season may look like for some of our kids, both in the classroom and for extracurriculars. 
 
It’s often said that tough times call for desperate measures, but more importantly, it must be tough times that call for action.  Now is the time for folks to step up and advocate for our educational system on behalf of our students - kids like the 70 athletes that I have the pleasure of coaching each day.
 
I, unfortunately, wont be able to attend Thursday night’s meeting (I have to coach swim practice).  But I hope you may be able to be there to learn more and be a part of ensuring that our school system stays strong.
 
Thank you for your time,
 
Sean
 
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Dear Scarborough school supporters,
 
   I am writing to invite you to an important informational meeting about the state of our schools at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec 10, in Town Hall.  As you know, years of bare-bones funding have taken their toll on Scarborough’s schools, and now the state is threatening a $1.1 million cut in its subsidy to Scarborough. Unless we speak out on behalf of education, the quality of our schools and our children’s education could decline dramatically, affecting our children’s futures and property values.
 
Scarborough currently spends less on instruction than do most Cumberland County schools. In fact, we spend $933 less per pupil each year than the average school system in Maine. As a result, our high school achievement scores now lag behind Cape, Falmouth, Yarmouth, and Greely (SAD 51).
 
In Scarborough, 62 percent of our property taxes go toward education. In contrast, Cape Elizabeth spends 72 percent, Falmouth spends 71 percent, and Gorham spends 82 percent on education.
 
Scarborough’s class sizes are growing, its course offerings are thinning, the number of field trips is declining, and teachers are paying for classroom supplies out of their own pockets. Now, the state is threatening severe funding cuts. Your help is needed to safeguard Scarborough’s schools.
 
Find out how we can protect our children’s education. Attend an informational meeting at  7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 10, at Scarborough Town Hall.
 
The meeting is sponsored by Saving Excellence in Scarborough Schools (SESS), a volunteer organization made up of residents, parents, and teachers who want to protect the quality of Scarborough’s schools through equitable funding that reflects Scarborough’s commitment to educational excellence.
 
For more information about SESS, please e-mail sess@maine.rr.com or visit its website at http://sessscarborough.wikispaces.com.
 
Please share this information with friends and/or family who are concerned about the quality of Scarborough’s schools.