Retain Local Control - Save The York School District The York School Committee and the York Board of Selectman are unanimously opposed to the existing State of Maine's Appropriations Committee's School Consolidation legislation in its present form. We urge you to contact Governor Baldacci, Commissioner Susan Gendron, and York's state legislators to let them know that you are opposed to this legislation as currently drafted.  Below are talking points that you may use in discussing this important issue.  Talking points on the Appropriations Committee's School Consolidation legislation: I support the intent and the purpose of the Appropriations Committee's School Consolidation legislation to provide:         •       Equitable educational opportunities for all students         •       Rigorous academic programs         •       Efficient use of limited resources         •       Opportunities to deliver services more effectively         •       Preservation and enhancement of  school choice opportunities However, I oppose the Appropriations Committee's School Consolidation legislation for the following reasons:         •       Mandates the reorganization of the York school district without local vote or an  'opt out' provision         •       Requires the reorganized school districts to be in place by July, 1, 2008, which is an unreasonably short time to implement a change of this magnitude and consequently will negatively impact the quality of York's educational services         •       Projects $36.5 million in state savings and $30 million in property tax savings without rationale or documentation         •       Relinquishes local control of York's schools         •       Renders null and void significant aspects of York's Home Rule Charter including the school committee and the line item budget approval Please contact the following individuals and ask them to vote against any Appropriations Committee's School Consolidation legislation that does not require a 'local vote', or at least allows for an 'opt out' provision by local vote. The Town of York is committed to pursuing all legal avenues if this current legislation is enacted. Governor John Baldacci: John.Baldacci@maine.gov or 287-3531 Commissioner Susan Gendron: susan.gendron@maine.gov or 624-6620. Senator Peter Bowman: PeterBowman@comcast.net or 439-6481 or 363-4714. Representative Dawn Hill: RepDawn.Hill@legislature.maine.gov; or 363-7594 or  337-3689. Representative Windol Weaver: RepWindol.Weaver@legislature.maine.gov; or 363-4641. You may also participate in an online petition that addresses the Consolidation issues.  Please contact:  www.ipetitions.com/petition/Consolidation