To the editor:
The “RSU balance transfer topic” article in the Aroostook Republican on Nov. 10, 2010, is a well-needed subject for public understanding on the issue of school consolidation. School consolidation was passed by Caribou citizens in June of 2009.
This subject, “school consolidation”, had many impacts both prior to and after the 2009 vote. Either way there were pros and cons, which had to be thought through. My questions that were noted in the article were of financial interest. Whatever the structure of education, with consolidation or not to consolidate, I’m confident that the education of our young people has been maintained to the best standards because of the hard work of the school staff, teachers, administration and RSU school board.
As a city councilor, I voted in 2009 not to consolidate, for several reasons, one of which was that no one could explain the financial impact of the decision that consolidation would have on the Caribou taxpayer. With the 2009 audit in hand I have some questions that I would like to have answers. It’s my belief that as a city councilor, I should understand the use of taxpayer’s dollars. With my questions answered I will be better able to tell you, the contituent — from a simple farmer’s point of view — what school consolidation meant, financially.
The article in the Aroostook Republican was the start of my quest in understanding the 2009 audit. I asked “was it proper for the city, in the 2009 audit, to transfer $877,000 from a designated education account to the city’s undesignated general fund.” At this point, I need to disclose that I am generally cautious of government when monies are transferred to an undesignated general fund. I assume government will generally do with it whatever they want. After several weeks, with general ledgers in hand, it was explained to me that this money was later transferred to the education of our children in the first half of 2010.
I have many more questions that I plan to pursue on this issue of school consolidation and what it truly cost. I have questions dealing with the 2009 audit. My questions should not be interpreted that the city administration, school administration, city council or school board is trying to hide anything. What they do have is a very simple-minded farmer trying to get answers to a very complex issue that was voted on before all the facts were known.
At this point in time, my opinion is they are having a hard time making it financially work. With more answered questions that opinion can change. But the most important point that I would like to make as I go forward with my questions is that city council, city administration, school board and RSU board are educating the students of RSU 39 region with more than the highest standards — whatever the cost.
On a side note, the city council will have workshops prior to deciding what to name the new bypass going around Caribou, but did not have one workshop nor answer just one of my questions before voting to approve the 2009 city audit. Although naming a road is important, I ran for city council to understand the financial spending of our city government.
“Farmer” Mark Goughan
Caribou
