Future of South Portland, Maine - and many communities - hinges on schools

May 21, 2:03 PMPortland Health and Happiness ExaminerChris Trout

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The future can sit in the balance of one decision

All over the country, schools and the communities that support them are facing a critical question: When money is tight, what is important? Is it time for citizens to pull in tight and protect their wallets? Or is it time to look out over the horizon and assess the long-term impact of these decisions? Sometimes the future of an entire community seems to hinge on the answer to these questions.

South Portland, Maine is facing just such a dilemma - in spades. In good times, an aging electorate and growing distrust in government has made passing the school budget an annual battleground. Now times are tough and folks are scared. Fear does not generally produce great insights or thoughtful action. It just protects. The questions is, protect what - or whom?

Despite serious safety and health problems at the current high school, an initiative to build a new one was overwhelmingly defeated last year. Now the New England Association of Schools and Colleges has placed the school on warning status until repairs are made. What to do?

Appearances aside, this is a no-brainer - one of those "you can pay me now or you can pay me later; but later will cost you a LOT more" scenarios.

• The school has more than 20 unsecured entrances. What is the cost of waiting until someone whose life has gone astray demonstrates just how vulnerable the school is? Nothing like being on the national news to get a new school built.
• Every day, education takes place in the midst of asbestos, airborne particles emitted by heating system. mold, decay, outdated electrical systems, no hot water in restrooms, non-functioning toilets, plus, most of the school does not meet accessibility codes. How much does it cost to settle those potential lawsuits, especially when the school is found negligent for failing to act year after year?
• Local real estate agents already report that potential buyers are looking elsewhere because they don't see education being valued in the community. What does it cost - and how long does it take - to recover from declining home values?

Here's the irony. The school was not placed on warning status because of because of poor teachers, leadership, programs or student performance. Those were all rated highly, some very highly! Their accreditation is at risk because the community has not had the will to address - and pay for - critical infrastructure needs to keep kids safe and support those teachers, leaders and programs.

Communities like South Portland sit at a critical juncture that will impact generations to come. Schools are the linchpin that hold a community's economic machine together. What is the cost when a community is known for short-sightedness regarding its schools? Simple. People don't want to move there. Businesses don't want to do business there. (After all, they need employees who want to be there.) And the entire community - way, way beyond its schools - begins to take on the feel of a sinking ship. 

How long does it take to recover once the spiral of declining home values, business investment, jobs and infrastructure begins? Look around the country. The answer is clear. A very, very long time.

Conversely, what is the impact when a community comes together with energy and hope, and takes on the challenge of building a future that nurtures success? People get excited. Businesses pay attention. People want to move there, want to be part of that energy that creates more jobs, higher property values, more economic activity. And you know what? People are happier. And happier people are more productive, more innovative and make things happen.

South Portland is not alone, but it could be. It could choose to lead the way for other communities deciding whether to protect their wallets or invest in a vital future. Ironically, this should appeal most to the wallet protectors. "You can pay me now or you can pay me later, but later is going to cost a lot more... a LOT more."

As the students at South Portland High School might say, "Duh-uh! This is a no-brainer. Let's get it done."

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