Lebanon lawmakers differ on school grade initiative

State Rep. Joshua Plante, and right, state Sen. Ron Collins

While one Lebanon lawmaker rapped Maine Gov. Paul LePage’s school grade initiative unveiled this week, another said it could prove beneficial to state school systems that fared poorly.

First-term state Rep. Joshua Plante, D-Berwick, who also represents much of West Lebanon, derided the governor for implementing the grades saying they take an unfair shot at school systems trying to do their best in tough economic times.

A press release from a Maine House Democrats website released Thursday says, “Plante believes that area schools should be lauded for their innovation and admirable performance in a challenging fiscal environment.”

 “These grades paint a flawed picture of what’s taking place in our schools,” Plante said in the release. “We value our public schools and admire the dedication of our teachers.”

The Lebanon Elementary and Hanson School, Noble Middle School and Noble High School all received ‘C’ grades from the LePage administration.

The grades set off a furor around the state on Wednesday as parents and students reacted angrily to failing grades that were attached to some schools. Standardized tests are considered the largest factor in a school’s grade. Critics say the grades don’t accurately account for all of the factors that make up a school’s worth and could affect property values.

Senator Ron Collins, R-Wells, who represents Lebanon in the state Senate took an alternate view, saying on Friday the initiative gives schools that fared poorly ammunition to ask the state for more financial aid to make them better and level the so-called educational playing field.

“This gives schools that didn’t do well the ammunition they need,” Collins said. “They can say to the state, ‘Well, look at our test scores, and we want to improve.’ ”

He said schools that got ‘As’ couldn’t make the same argument and might see their financial aid remain flat or even cut.

MSAD 60 Schools Superintendent Steven Connolly was unavailable for comment on Friday.