St. Andrews

With the risk of other hospitals in Maine facing similar compromises, King stressed the importance that the medical institutions pay attention to the community’s needs and continue to offer services, but at the same time not drive costs up.

King said resolutions are best served through compromise and effective communication aided by the presence of work groups.

“In many communities the hospital is the major employer, and it’s really a lot of good jobs,” he said, “So it’s not necessarily a question of closing, it’s a question of redefining their mission.”

Edgecomb Eddy Elementary School

With the future of Edgecomb Eddy School up for discussion, local residents and selectmen are considering whether or not to close the school due to declining enrollment, while debating the financial impact of such a closure.

“I don’t think too many people would argue that smaller schools are generally better,” King said, “but it’s a trade off with costs.”  

At a recent town meeting, Edgecomb Selectman Stuart Scott estimated the town would save at least $134,000 a year if they opted to send the students out of town.

“If there will be savings of $100,000 to the district, and the education will be somewhat comparable, and you’re not putting kids on buses for an endless period of time, then maybe consolidation makes sense,” King said.  

King acknowledged that there are different demographic patterns and population changes, and that it’s difficult to justify the expense of schools.

“I sympathize because it’s difficult.” All things being equal, King said he thought smaller schools are better.