On November 4, Rockland voters will consider three candidates to fill two Rockland seats on the Regional School Unit 13 (Cushing, Owls Head, Rockland, South Thomaston and Thomaston) School Board. They are Doug Curtis, Jr., Lydia Short and Jessie Davis.

PenBayPilot.com has circulated questions to the three school board candidates. Here, Doug Curtis, Jr. responds to them:

I am a native of Rockland.  Service is in my DNA, whether it is my community or the world. 

I have served on the RSU 13 and Region 8 school boards.  I have volunteered in SAD 5 and RSU 13 in various capacities for over 20 years, including the Middle School Building Committee and the District Budget Committee. 

I served on the City of Rockland’s Comprehensive Planning board for nine years, also serving as its chairman for 18 months. 

I have been a Rockland Rotarian for 26 years, serving as Club President and Rotary Governor of most of Maine and Quebec in 2021-22.  I was also the first President of the Tiger Football Committee, Inc that saved the Rockland Football program in 1993. 

I am a retired financial advisor and a retired Colonel in the U.S. Army.  A graduate of Rockland District High School, I have a B.A. in journalism and political science from the University of Maine and a Master's of Public Administration from the University of Southern California, as well as one in Defense Studies from the Army War College.  My wife, Ferolyn, was a 26-year teacher in the District.

What do you hope to accomplish as a public K-12 school board member?

My first goal is to improve the communication between the board and public in two ways.  The first is to allow the board to be able to respond to comments during the comment period.  Secondly, to stream or televise the board’s workshop meetings.  I want the public to become more aware of what is going on in our schools BEFORE the budget meeting.

Secondly, I want to promote excellence in everything we do in our schools.  We can do this by  giving more structure to our programs; and setting high standards and expectations. 

 In addition, I would like to implement a long range facilities plan for our schools for major ticket items with help from the public.  It’s important to identify what we want, what we need and when.

How do you view the role of public education in the US, in Maine and in the RSU 13 communities?

Overall, I would say it is one of this country’s most important programs we pay for.  Clearly, if I could wave a magic wand, I would make changes to how we pay for it.  I do think the dismantling of the Department of Education is having a huge impact on our schools. 

I do believe the State of Maine needs to take a hard look at how we fund our schools.  Ultimately, RSU 13 is responsible for the results we produce.  We should focus on what we can control and not worry about what other districts are doing.  We need to elect people to the Legislature who view public education as a top priority.  We need a Governor who supports this.

Is there enough fresh food from area farms being integrated into RSU 13 free meal program?

I have no idea.  Generally, I would say I would be supportive of it provided we had the money to fund it.

Does the curriculum adequately teach all children and teens about their role in a participatory democracy?

I would say yes.  I have not been involved recently on what is being taught in our schools regarding government and democracy.  However, my past experience tells me we should have a robust curriculum in this area.  The high school has an active Student Senate and a student member on the school board.  I know at the elementary level they are taught the three branches of government.  So, I suspect not much has changed.  

Should the subject of personal finance be addressed in all grades?

I would say no.  At the elementary level they should be taught the value of money and how many quarters make a dollar for example.   Beginning in middle school, if there is time you could have a small program on banking accounts for example and what they are.  As a financial advisor I strongly believe there should be a practical program in high school.

A course in Consumer Economics would be very helpful.  Such things as buying a new verses a used car; how to do your own tax return; how to invest money or balance a checkbook would go a long way to helping young students get off to the right financial footing.

Do the RSU 13 need to strengthen the science and technology curriculum?

Again, I have not seen the recent curriculum in science and technology.  I do know the high school supports STEM education.  Region 8 is a very good source in technology as well, however, they don’t have a plumbing or electrical curriculum.  From that point of view, I would say there needs to be improvement, but Region 8 is not part of RSU 13’s total curriculum.  I would like to see larger class sizes in all subject areas for more student interaction.  

Are there books that you would want pulled off the library/classroom shelves.

No.   I would trust our teachers and staff to review any materials that might be offensive.

What is your understanding and opinion of the implementation on of a social emotional learning approach?

It’s a framework for developing skills, knowledge and attitudes needed to understand and manage emotions and the ability to set goals and show empathy.  We are social people.  We don’t make decisions without emotional competence.  In almost everything we do we are fostering emotional competence and building relationships are an integral part of getting along in society. Generally, it is a program that has proved successful in academic achievement.  I don’t have a strong opinion of it either way.   I suspect it is primarily dependent upon the person running it in the classroom.  Overall, I think it is positive.

What is your opinion of a cell phone-free policy in schools?

The current board recently reviewed this policy and said the policy in RSU 13 is working.  I would probably defer to the research they have done on this issue.  I know many schools in Maine have gone to a no cell phone policy which also has it benefits.  Some of those are better interpersonal relationships, less distractions in the classroom and more focus on academic courses.  On the other side, people with family issues, outside jobs, sports issues, etc. welcome the ability to have phone access.  However, if it did become  a major issue, I would favor putting more restrictions on phone use like shutting the phone off during class time.

How will you as a board member, help reduce the fiscal load on the taxpayer to fund education and maintain facilities? 

First of all, I would not accept the status quo.  I will ask a lot of questions which I do now anyways.  I want the same thing everybody wants.  However, as a board we also have a responsibility to the taxpayer.  We need to question everything and perhaps even entertain a zero-base budget.  We all need to row in the same direction.  We may not agree on everything, but I think at this point we need to pull back this year and examine all of our revenues and spending. 

Each year our budget goes up $1-2 million dollars just on pay raises and benefits alone.  Ten years ago our budget was $26 million.  Today it is $41 million.  I know all RSU 13 taxpayers are feeling the hit this year.  I do not claim to have all the answers.  What I do know is we have to do better than we are.  

What books are you reading these days and which do you recommend others read?

The last book I finished was by Dr. William R. Wood, Lost Inca Gold:  AI Meets Space Archaeology.   Bill is a Rockland District High School, UMaine and Dartmouth Medical School graduate who retired from medicine about five years ago.  The book is based in Orono, Rockland (Limerock), Vermont and Ecuador.  It’s an enjoyable read.  One book I would recommend is the Millionaire Next Door by William D Danko and Thomas J Stanley.  This book is an interesting look into the psychology of millionaires and to me a fascinating read.

Anything else you would like to address?

People in Rockland and RSU 13 are hurting right now.  Everyone has to acknowledge this.  You can say what you want to say, but I have never seen such emotion at any town or city meeting as I have seen on these taxpayers.  It is not business as usual.  We need to come up with a longterm facilities plan with help from these taxpayers for major expenditures.  We need to make them feel part of the process and communicate our needs and wants in a more open forum. 

We also have to challenge everything we have been doing and why we are doing it?  If there is a way to become more creative with revenue sources; we need to find it.

Finally, we need to work with our staff and teachers to find savings where possible.  I would appreciate your vote on November 4.  Thank you.