quoted from

http://www.maine.gov/tools/whatsnew/index.php?topic=Gov+News&id=33004&v=Article-2006

Governor Baldacci Praises Maine School of Science and Mathematics

February 27, 2007

AUGUSTA – Governor John E. Baldacci praised the Maine School of Science and Mathematics (MSSM) Tuesday evening, saying the state is lucky to have such an institution. The Governor made the comments during a social gathering and informational session for the school at the Senator Inn, in Augusta.

“The importance of math and science to our high school students is vital,” said Governor Baldacci. “I returned from the National Governor’s Association Meeting in Washington, D.C., Monday, where this was a major topic. Governors from all across America focused on the importance of teaching science and math in creating a competitive, global economy. With MSSM in Limestone, Maine and Aroostook County are leading the nation.”

Governor Baldacci has proposed an education reform plan that would require four years of math and science in public high schools, as opposed to the two years that are required now. He says that the importance of math and science is not just the teaching of the subjects themselves, but also teaching students how to think creatively and solve problems.

“By pushing yourself and building up the rigor in the classroom,” the Governor told students in the room, “you are preparing yourself to be a leader and a success story once you graduate from high school and college.”

MSSM is one of 11 public, residential schools of math and science in the country. MSSM has students from all over Maine, the country and from as far away as Germany.

“Maine clearly benefits from this school and we are proud of its many accomplishments,” said the Governor. “I am here tonight to thank you and to encourage you to continue doing what you are doing – learning, teaching, encouraging, spreading the good news, and, even better, succeeding.”