MESSAGE FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT
DR. THOMAS FARRELL 

Public education continues to face new challenges and increased expectations.  In order to meet these demands, students, staff and community must make education a top priority.  This is exactly what is happening in the MSAD71 school community!  Our students are coming to us more and more prepared each year; our staff continues to have a passion for teaching students; our community shows an incredible amount of support by passing our budget; our parents volunteer hundreds of hours in our classrooms and schools.

For the past three years, we have placed an emphasis on higher academic achievement with a focus on reading, writing and math.  We have accomplished this by stressing quality time on task, more relevant professional development, and higher expectations for staff and students.  We feel very good about our successes, and we expect to see more of the same in 2006-2007.  In addition, we will place a strong emphasis on character education and embark on a thorough review and update of our science curriculum and use of technology.  Our staff continues to respond positively to our challenges, and students are becoming more responsible for their own learning. 

The ability to adjust to change and make good decisions is essential if our students and graduates are to be successful, and we fully realize our roles in making this happen.  I am very fortunate to be a part of such a wonderful community and school district.  I will continue to commit myself to promoting academic excellence and character education while making sure we are fiscally responsible.