SAD

The acronym defining Maine's school administrative districts is unfortunate. Living in Maine is by no means unhappy, although in some folks seasonal affect disorder might spring to mind, especially in the depths of yet another snowstorm, and certainly to most schoolkids it's the right emotion, especially in September. For the rest of us, the use of periods separating each letter should be required in the media.

Whatever one's state of mind, however, we were cheered recently by the news that voters in the five towns comprising SAD 28 overwhelmingly rejected the State's proposal to consolidate the district. I don't know the details of the proposal, but it doesn't surprise me at all that independent and cussed Maine voters would deny further encroachment of bureaucracy in their lives. Obviously, they love their local schools, under their control, not some SAD superintendent's, even at the price of, or at least the threat of, losing a certain amount of state aid as punishment. These are pretty wealthy towns, generally (Camden, Rockport, Lincolnville, Hope, Appleton) and can afford the hit if the Governor needs to balance the budget on the backs of towns; still, to vote so strongly in such times is remarkable.

It's a fine and dangerous balance between efficiency and independence. I often find myself on the side of big government but I hope only on those issues that clearly transcend local politics. Where local control will benefit and motivate and inspire, let HAPPY* reign.

*Harnessing All the People's Power of Yore