In recent days, the South Portland Board of Education’s commitment to the mental health of our students has been called into question (“South Portland superintendent announces resignation, June 5). I can only speak for myself, but I am 100% committed to supporting and improving the mental health of our students. I have not forgotten, and I will not forget, the preventable tragedies that have befallen our community.
I was one of four board members who voted to maintain elementary school social emotional learning (SEL) classes after Superintendent Tim Matheney proposed their elimination from the 2025-26 budget.
Many experts say that SEL reduces the likelihood of students developing anxiety and depression. Preventing those conditions leads to greater productivity, higher test scores and reduced long-term health care costs — as well as the most obvious benefit: happier and healthier students and families.
Adrian Dowling
Member, South Portland Board of Education
South Portland
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