SAD 51 would like to close the Drowne Road School and save the taxpayers of Cumberland and North Yarmouth $245,000 in operational costs from the 2011-2012 budget. Please vote yes on June 14.

Last year I served on the sustainability committee which recommended the district repurpose the school. A key factor motivating this particular recommendation was declining enrollments. As we looked at each facility in the district, Drowne Road stood out as a clear means to become more efficient without sacrificing our community’s educational standards.

While many of us had children go through the school and have fond memories of the “old school” feel and charm of this small educational community, it is important we continue to look for cost savings during this period of declining enrollments. Savings of $245,000 is significant and will take some pressure off cutting other areas of the budget. My younger children will not have the perceived benefit of a small-school setting, but they will each surely make their own memories in the other fine facilities the district operates.

If you favor saving $245,000, please vote yes to close the Drowne Road School.

Michael Perfetti
Cumberland