Dear Editor:

I am writing to respond to some troubling statements made during the recent Wiscasset school committee candidate’s forum that were simply untrue and cannot go unanswered. Please do not be misled to think our challenge is violent, drug dealing students or violent teachers who sexually touch students. Our schools are safe and our staff do great work with our students. The truth is we have students who need great educators – like our own Lincoln County teacher of the year – to help them succeed. Our present challenge is passing our budget to support them and electing someone who has their best interests in mind.

Here are some facts about safety in our schools this year: The elementary school has 12 cameras as part of its approved security system. The middle high school has 34 cameras and six vape detectors as part of its approved security system. If students deal drugs in school there would be an expulsion hearing, there was none. No teachers were assaulted so violently they are now out of work and suing the School Department. There are no pending lawsuits against the School Department.

Here are questions I have: If the former SRO had a staff member sexually touching a student or throwing students over a table, why didn’t the former SRO bring that to the school committee’s attention? If the former SRO arrested a staff member for putting their hands on a student, why didn’t the former SRO bring that to the school committee’s attention? And why are there no records of that?

Everyone should know our superintendent is qualified and was hired in accordance with Maine law and our policy. MSMA verified her qualifications and certification before providing her application to us.

 Jason Putnam

Wiscasset School Committee Chair