Comments for Future Freeport http://futurefreeport.com thinking about the place, community and economy of Freeport, Maine Tue, 06 Jan 2009 08:32:03 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6.2 Comment on A Citizen Marketing Campaign to Boost the Freeport, Maine Economy by Portland Buy Local http://futurefreeport.com/2008/06/22/a-citizen-marketing-campaign-to-boost-the-freeport-maine-economy/#comment-102 Portland Buy Local Wed, 10 Dec 2008 20:56:47 +0000 http://futurefreeport.com/?p=41#comment-102 Hi! Great to see this happening in Freeport. Stay in touch and let us know if we can help. All the best, Stacy MItchell vice president, Portland Buy Local Hi! Great to see this happening in Freeport. Stay in touch and let us know if we can help.

All the best,
Stacy MItchell
vice president, Portland Buy Local

]]> Comment on The Pros and Cons of Freeport School Consolidation by Danielle C. http://futurefreeport.com/2008/11/01/freeport-school-consolidation/#comment-101 Danielle C. Wed, 26 Nov 2008 23:46:38 +0000 http://futurefreeport.com/?p=131#comment-101 My school is in a very similar situation, and while it may suprise you, has anyone ask the students what they'd like to see occur?? This is a big issue in our community and we are finding that most of the student body is opposed to the consolidation between to very nearby schools, with a huge rivalry. They actually looked past the fact that they didn't like many of the students at the other school {or vise-versa} and saw what their community and school needed was to remain independent. They saw that very few new classes were going to be added onto the cirriculum, and that the new budget wasn't sufficent for their needs. So, every class president went to all of the board meetings and discussed personally with the board members on what their fellow classmantes want. After all they are the ones who have to cope with your decision. My school is in a very similar situation, and while it may suprise you, has anyone ask the students what they’d like to see occur?? This is a big issue in our community and we are finding that most of the student body is opposed to the consolidation between to very nearby schools, with a huge rivalry. They actually looked past the fact that they didn’t like many of the students at the other school {or vise-versa} and saw what their community and school needed was to remain independent. They saw that very few new classes were going to be added onto the cirriculum, and that the new budget wasn’t sufficent for their needs. So, every class president went to all of the board meetings and discussed personally with the board members on what their fellow classmantes want. After all they are the ones who have to cope with your decision.

]]> Comment on Six Reasons Why Freeport is a Better Location for an Apple Retail Store than the Maine Mall by Coleman Mckenzie http://futurefreeport.com/2008/05/25/six-reasons-why-freeport-is-a-better-location-for-an-apple-retail-store-than-the-maine-mall/#comment-99 Coleman Mckenzie Thu, 13 Nov 2008 00:05:14 +0000 http://futurefreeport.wordpress.com/?p=12#comment-99 2uymx4yerygkzqda 2uymx4yerygkzqda

]]> Comment on Critical Steps to Making Freeport, Maine a Premier Transit-Oriented Destination (TOD) by Peter Troast http://futurefreeport.com/2008/05/31/critical-steps-to-making-freeport-maine-a-premier-transit-oriented-destination-tod/#comment-98 Peter Troast Wed, 12 Nov 2008 02:18:35 +0000 http://futurefreeport.com/?p=24#comment-98 Ryan-- Initially, the Amtrak Downeaster service is being extended from Portland to Freeport and Brunswick. My understanding is that a true commuter service is not yet envisioned. Once the line is improved, however, my sense it is only a matter of time before we start tackling this. The timing of the service isn't locked in concrete yet, as far as I know, so I'd recommend following this at the Downeaster site or through the recently formed train committee in Freeport. PT Ryan–

Initially, the Amtrak Downeaster service is being extended from Portland to Freeport and Brunswick. My understanding is that a true commuter service is not yet envisioned. Once the line is improved, however, my sense it is only a matter of time before we start tackling this. The timing of the service isn’t locked in concrete yet, as far as I know, so I’d recommend following this at the Downeaster site or through the recently formed train committee in Freeport.

PT

]]> Comment on Critical Steps to Making Freeport, Maine a Premier Transit-Oriented Destination (TOD) by Ryan http://futurefreeport.com/2008/05/31/critical-steps-to-making-freeport-maine-a-premier-transit-oriented-destination-tod/#comment-97 Ryan Tue, 11 Nov 2008 23:16:50 +0000 http://futurefreeport.com/?p=24#comment-97 I am interested in the possibility of commuting to Freeport from Portland, how long is that projected to take, with a drive by car normally taking about 20 minutes to downtown from Portland. I would gather that at least half of that time, probably about 10 minutes by train? I would also like to know when this project will be finished, by January 1st, 2010 correct? I am interested in the possibility of commuting to Freeport from Portland, how long is that projected to take, with a drive by car normally taking about 20 minutes to downtown from Portland. I would gather that at least half of that time, probably about 10 minutes by train?

I would also like to know when this project will be finished, by January 1st, 2010 correct?

]]> Comment on The Pros and Cons of Freeport School Consolidation by C Neal http://futurefreeport.com/2008/11/01/freeport-school-consolidation/#comment-95 C Neal Wed, 05 Nov 2008 20:12:00 +0000 http://futurefreeport.com/?p=131#comment-95 I thought it was interesting that voters passed consolidation plans all over the state by fairly overwhelming numbers. The only exception seems to have been in Falmouth, which spurned Cumberland and N. Yarmouth by a nearly 2-to-1 margin. But in other news, what's going on with the Freeport train station planning? I read an item in the Forecaster a while ago, but would like to hear from Future Freeport and its commenters. It looks like a "green infrastructure" stimulus might move the Downeaster expansion forward on an accelerated schedule. I thought it was interesting that voters passed consolidation plans all over the state by fairly overwhelming numbers. The only exception seems to have been in Falmouth, which spurned Cumberland and N. Yarmouth by a nearly 2-to-1 margin.

But in other news, what’s going on with the Freeport train station planning? I read an item in the Forecaster a while ago, but would like to hear from Future Freeport and its commenters. It looks like a “green infrastructure” stimulus might move the Downeaster expansion forward on an accelerated schedule.

]]> Comment on The Pros and Cons of Freeport School Consolidation by More local election results | Charting Maine’s Future http://futurefreeport.com/2008/11/01/freeport-school-consolidation/#comment-94 More local election results | Charting Maine’s Future Wed, 05 Nov 2008 19:57:52 +0000 http://futurefreeport.com/?p=131#comment-94 [...] Voters in Freeport, Durham, and Pownal voted to merge their three school administrations into one [read pre-election commentary on Future Freeport]; [...] [...] Voters in Freeport, Durham, and Pownal voted to merge their three school administrations into one [read pre-election commentary on Future Freeport]; [...]

]]> Comment on The Energy Crisis & Freeport, Maine–A Time for Big Thinking by Danica http://futurefreeport.com/2008/10/04/energy-crisis-freeport-maine/#comment-93 Danica Wed, 05 Nov 2008 16:57:51 +0000 http://futurefreeport.com/?p=117#comment-93 Hi Peter - I am a newby to your blog and I have to say you have some fantastic ideas for Freeport's future!! I especially enjoyed the article above and the post you wrote on the commuter train. I completely agree with you on all fronts. I am currently working towards my certificate in Ecotourism planning and management to supplement my Bachelors in Hospitality and to further my credits towards a Masters in Environmental Management. Many of our class essays are to research the town/area you live in and and describe the aspects of ecotourism that are already in play and ones that could be expanded on. I have to say that this research has really opened my mind on the possibilities of Freeport, improving our impact on the environment all the while benefitting by increases in tourism (and those tourists buying from local stores) and savings on energy. I look forward to reading more and feel free to contact me if you're looking for help with research or the like. Thanks again!! Danica Hi Peter -
I am a newby to your blog and I have to say you have some fantastic ideas for Freeport’s future!! I especially enjoyed the article above and the post you wrote on the commuter train. I completely agree with you on all fronts.

I am currently working towards my certificate in Ecotourism planning and management to supplement my Bachelors in Hospitality and to further my credits towards a Masters in Environmental Management. Many of our class essays are to research the town/area you live in and and describe the aspects of ecotourism that are already in play and ones that could be expanded on. I have to say that this research has really opened my mind on the possibilities of Freeport, improving our impact on the environment all the while benefitting by increases in tourism (and those tourists buying from local stores) and savings on energy. I look forward to reading more and feel free to contact me if you’re looking for help with research or the like.

Thanks again!!

Danica

]]> Comment on The Pros and Cons of Freeport School Consolidation by Kim Sferes http://futurefreeport.com/2008/11/01/freeport-school-consolidation/#comment-92 Kim Sferes Mon, 03 Nov 2008 22:48:21 +0000 http://futurefreeport.com/?p=131#comment-92 I think our students and citizens will be better served with more of a collaborative plan, similar to what our SC was pursing prior to the law. Now we will call it an AOS. To the best of my knowledge, more than likely the law will be "adjusted", yet again. I emphathize with the RPC members, you worked so hard and I can tell that some of you really believe in the work that you have done, but I just don't think it is wise to lock ourselves into this reorganization plan. It is not the best that we can do with this law. We have to think of the future. Especially those of us who have just started our children in the school system; this is something we are going to have to deal with for years to come. We should not be so gallant with such a MAJOR decision. PLEASE VOTE NO. I think our students and citizens will be better served with more of a collaborative plan, similar to what our SC was pursing prior to the law. Now we will call it an AOS. To the best of my knowledge, more than likely the law will be “adjusted”, yet again. I emphathize with the RPC members, you worked so hard and I can tell that some of you really believe in the work that you have done, but I just don’t think it is wise to lock ourselves into this reorganization plan. It is not the best that we can do with this law. We have to think of the future. Especially those of us who have just started our children in the school system; this is something we are going to have to deal with for years to come. We should not be so gallant with such a MAJOR decision. PLEASE VOTE NO.

]]> Comment on The Pros and Cons of Freeport School Consolidation by Tom Edwards http://futurefreeport.com/2008/11/01/freeport-school-consolidation/#comment-91 Tom Edwards Mon, 03 Nov 2008 22:19:10 +0000 http://futurefreeport.com/?p=131#comment-91 Consolidation Concern First, along with the Freeport community, I appreciate the exhaustive work of the Reorganization Planning Committee over the past two years to develop a plan that will meet the expectations of the Maine Consolidation Law. My concerns with the Freeport consolidation proposal are based upon different premises about quality education than those of the Baldacci/Gendron plan and thus on different premises than the Regional Planning Committee was required to consider. The Baldacci/Gendron plan demands that localities throughout Maine will consolidate into districts of 2500 students or more. This equates to 200 students per grade level and consequently high school enrollments of 800 students. My experience in education is that SMALLER IS ALWAYS BETTER. A precondition for effective education is, I believe, that each student be known, be taught as an individual and be personally supported in school. A high school of 500 to 800 is frankly too large for each student to be known and supported. What repeatedly happens in high schools of 500 or more is that the school focuses its greatest energies on the top students and on struggling students. "Average students" then often become "unspecial" and fail to receive the high quality curriculum and instruction which average students deserve and can handle. Another unexamined assumption of the Baldacci/Gendron plan appears to be that enrollments of 500 or more are needed for high schools to offer "comprehensive" college preparatory courses. When I began in 1996 as high school principal in Freeport, enrollment was 325. When I retired in 2006, FHS enrolled 470 students, an increase of 145 students (45%). Freeport High School's program was satisfactorily "comprehensive" at 325 (offering Advanced Placement English and Calculus, advanced Science classes and four years of French, Spanish and Latin). The High School program did not change in any major way as enrollment reached 470. Competitive colleges then and now recognize Freeport's quality education and have awarded Freeport graduates an enviable admissions record. For me Freeport High was a laudably personal school for its students with an enrollment of 325. Many students knew (and had studied with) the majority of the school's teachers. While relationships between teachers and students remained a strength of the school, personalizing relationships became more challenging as enrollment approached 470. The RPC plan projects that Freeport High School will enroll 570 students in five years and perhaps more thereafter. My concern focuses on the quality of the learning experiences which each child deserves and needs. We know that smaller schools are better for students. Why are we then fatefully drawn to create schools that are just too big? Tom Edwards tedwards@usm.maine.edu 865-3642 (h) Consolidation Concern

First, along with the Freeport community, I appreciate the exhaustive work of the Reorganization Planning Committee over the past two years to develop a plan that will meet the expectations of the Maine Consolidation Law.

My concerns with the Freeport consolidation proposal are based upon different premises about quality education than those of the Baldacci/Gendron plan and thus on different premises than the Regional Planning Committee was required to consider.

The Baldacci/Gendron plan demands that localities throughout Maine will consolidate into districts of 2500 students or more. This equates to 200 students per grade level and consequently high school enrollments of 800 students.

My experience in education is that SMALLER IS ALWAYS BETTER. A precondition for effective education is, I believe, that each student be known, be taught as an individual and be personally supported in school.

A high school of 500 to 800 is frankly too large for each student to be known and supported. What repeatedly happens in high schools of 500 or more is that the school focuses its greatest energies on the top students and on struggling students. “Average students” then often become “unspecial” and fail to receive the high quality curriculum and instruction which average students deserve and can handle.

Another unexamined assumption of the Baldacci/Gendron plan appears to be that enrollments of 500 or more are needed for high schools to offer “comprehensive” college preparatory courses.

When I began in 1996 as high school principal in Freeport, enrollment was 325. When I retired in 2006, FHS enrolled 470 students, an increase of 145 students (45%).

Freeport High School’s program was satisfactorily “comprehensive” at 325 (offering Advanced Placement English and Calculus, advanced Science classes and four years of French, Spanish and Latin). The High School program did not change in any major way as enrollment reached 470. Competitive colleges then and now recognize Freeport’s quality education and have awarded Freeport graduates an enviable admissions record.

For me Freeport High was a laudably personal school for its students with an enrollment of 325. Many students knew (and had studied with) the majority of the school’s teachers. While relationships between teachers and students remained a strength of the school, personalizing relationships became more challenging as enrollment approached 470. The RPC plan projects that Freeport High School will enroll 570 students in five years and perhaps more thereafter.

My concern focuses on the quality of the learning experiences which each child deserves and needs. We know that smaller schools are better for students. Why are we then fatefully drawn to create schools that are just too big?

Tom Edwards
tedwards@usm.maine.edu
865-3642 (h)

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