I am a candidate for the RSU 13 school board.  I have always advocated for academic excellence in our schools, excellent facilities and a constant desire to improve education for all our students.  However, I have also advocated for a balance on what we can afford and the education we provide.   None of this is achievable without your help and hard work.

After the past two years of tax increases in Rockland for most of us between 50-100%, many of you have told me we have had enough.  Now we have learned we have a $2.6 million deficit and recently I learned we have an IRS lien on RSU 13 for nonpayment of payroll taxes.  This is totally unacceptable.

With the cost of groceries, housing and now heating oil this winter we will have to come up with a plan that probably most of us won’t like.  With enrollment declining there is no question we face real challenges.  It is time to right the ship.  I am committed to a long-range facilities plan, and this won’t happen overnight.  I will not promise miracles, but I will give you my best effort and I would appreciate your vote on November 3.  Thank you.

Doug Curtis, Jr., lives in Rockland