Hello to all of you. Well. Here we are. To paraphrase one of my all-time favorite literary works, we have turned another page… and have come to the end. In this, our last column together, I was sorely tempted to try and pack all my ideas in here as a last hurrah. But, oi. It […]
Forecaster opinion
Posted inForecaster Opinion, Northern Forecaster, Portland Forecaster, The Forecaster
Sports Editor Michael Hoffer: What a wild ride it’s been; 25 years with The Forecaster
All good things must end. For nearly four decades, The Forecaster has taken immense pride in being a weekly part of our communities’ heartbeat. This week brings our final print edition and while the product will continue with electronic editions and digital newsletters, it truly is the end of an era. Back in the fall […]
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Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, Scarborough Leader, South Portland Sentry, The Forecaster
Mainewhile: Be authentically yourself – communities are built on it
Well, hello everyone. How are you all doing? As a starting point for this space, that question from me to you is not at all unusual. This time, though, it is a little different. This is the hello at the start of our goodbye. The fiscal realities of our current climate mean changes for the […]
Posted inForecaster Opinion, The Forecaster
Portland Superintendent’s Notebook: Developing and implementing clear, efficient and accountable systems
This column is the final installment in my series detailing the impacts of the new Portland Public Schools five-year strategic plan. This month, I’m focusing on our “systems” priority. Our strategic plan has five priorities: equity, achievement, whole student, people and systems. Each is supported by multiple initiatives to achieve that goal. We’re starting some […]
Posted inForecaster Opinion, The Forecaster
RSU 5 Superintendent’s Notebook: RSU 5 welcomes public participation in budget development
RSU 5 is well into the process of developing a budget for the 2025-2026 school year that will allow us to continue to provide a high quality education and move our district forward, while at the same time being fiscally responsible to the taxpayer. The RSU 5 board of directors has been presented with the […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, Scarborough Leader, South Portland Sentry, The Forecaster
Mainewhile: Safeguarding historical records should be above partisanship
Museums, libraries and archives – these are my happy places. True, I love a long walk in the great outdoors, but there is something about these hallowed spaces where history, questions and curiosity combine that just makes me fundamentally happy. Casually mention John Cotton Dana or Ennigaldi-Nanna (fun research tangent for you all) to me, […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, Scarborough Leader, South Portland Sentry, The Forecaster
Mainewhile: Administration has Maine in its crosshairs and it’s illegal
Our beloved state is currently embroiled in a loud and fractious feud. I wish we weren’t, but we are. A disclaimer: If you have questions, or are genuinely engaged in sorting your way through this issue, I welcome your conversation and I promise to engage in it without rancor. If, however, you are inclined to […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, Scarborough Leader, South Portland Sentry, The Forecaster
Mainewhile: Susan Blanchard Russwurm and standing up for what’s right
This week holds an interesting spot on the calendar – the bridge space between Black History Month and Women’s History Month, two celebrations to which our current president has said, “Nyet!” But which I shall continue to celebrate anyway. I urge everyone to go biography diving on their own, while I take a moment to […]
Posted inForecaster Opinion, The Forecaster
Portland Superintendent’s Notebook: People priority: Fostering a strong, inclusive, and supportive staff culture
This column is the next in my series detailing how our new Portland Public Schools five-year strategic plan impacts students in the classroom. This month, I’m focusing on our “people” priority. Our strategic plan has five priorities: equity, achievement, whole student, people and systems. Each priority is supported by multiple initiatives to achieve that goal. […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, Scarborough Leader, South Portland Sentry, The Forecaster
Mainewhile: Getting back to the roots of the Presidents Day holiday
Happy Presidents Day! I hope that wherever you are you stayed safe during the recent spate of storms, and were able to use the long weekend to rest up. It’s been a heck of a week. A quick note about this holiday; it started out as the celebration of one president, our first. That, of […]