Early results of a strategic planning survey, released April 11, indicates stakeholders in Wiscasset’s new education system deem the quality of education offered to students more important than the cost.
The survey, released by Wiscasset Partners in Education’s ad hoc Strategic Planning Committee, was created to gather input from the community for ideas and opinions on what the new Wiscasset school system should look like.
PIE member Kim Andersson released some of the survey’s results in an email dated April 22.
Andersson reports PIE has received 95 survey responses from area stakeholders. Of those responding to the survey, 67 percent identify themselves as Wiscasset residents; 15 percent as Wiscasset business owners; and 35 percent as parents of children in Wiscasset schools.
Nearly all the respondents indicated that public education is very or extremely important to the community.
Seventy-five percent of those surveyed deemed the quality of education being offered to students as the most important consideration in creating the new school district.
Suggestions for improvement included higher standards, more offerings, and alternate modes of education.
According to Andersson, only 7 percent of those surveyed said cost should be a consideration in creating the new Wiscasset school district.
The survey indicates a division among the community concerning closing one of Wiscasset’s schools.
“Many wish to keep a three-school system, others suggest a two-school system with the third building reserved for community use,” Andersson’s email states.
Suggestions included closing Wiscasset Primary School or Wiscasset Middle School to improve efficiencies and logistics. Respondents also indicated the need to consider sharing gym/ cafeteria time and outside play areas.
Another idea offered was for Wiscasset to become a K to 8 school system only, housing all students in the Wiscasset High School building.
Andersson said the results of the survey will be a starting point for discussion at strategic planning sessions planned for June, which will be led by a professional facilitator.
Residents wishing to weigh-in on the issues are encouraged to take the nine question survey, which is available on line at https://www.surveymonkey.com/ s/PBLH9QNvia.
The survey is also available in paper form at the Wiscasset Community Center, Wiscasset Town Office and the transfer station and can be returned to any of the schools or to a folder at the transfer station. For more information, call Kim Andersson at 882-9063.
