Politicians and policy-makers, often far removed from the classroom, must take note of the benefits offered by small schools and the challenges small schools face. Federal and state mandates may bankrupt and destroy small schools, taking many small communities with them. In today’s economic climate, this message is especially relevant.
A growing educational reform movement is calling for small, personal schools that are deeply embedded in the local community. These schools – including many on Maine islands – are rigorous, relationship-based, tech-savvy and democratic on all levels. Administrators, teachers, students, parents and community members communicate and participate in decision-making. Together, they create a tightly woven net that does not allow students to fall through the cracks.
Pointing out problems in public education makes for easy conversation and equally easy political sloganeering. Arriving at solutions is more difficult. Maine must resist the destructive urge to consolidate small schools for elusive, short-term savings. When a school closes in an isolated community, it’s a death sentence for the whole town.