In light of the recent negative press surrounding Baxter Academy, the Friends of Baxter would like to express our continued support of the school.

We want the public to know that we are grateful for John Jaques’ vision in starting Baxter Academy. He gathered together an amazing group of people, all of whom worked hard to ensure that Baxter is successful. Baxter Academy would not exist without his efforts.

We also are grateful for the expertise of the Baxter Board of Trustees. As parents, we appreciate that its members are willing to make difficult choices to ensure the financial stability of Baxter.

Finally, we are grateful to the Jebediah Foundation for its generous financial donation.

We know that its donation will be an incredible asset to the students of Baxter.

Change is hard, but the vision is solid. Baxter Academy is going to be an amazing school.

Parents and students believe that alternative choices in education are desperately needed. An outstanding group of dedicated volunteers still are working hard to ensure that Baxter Academy is a success.

Our goal is to keep alive Jaques’ vision of a project-based, science, technology, engineering and math school.

More than 150 families, some from as far away as Auburn and Brunswick, have committed to this charter school. Our teens have spoken to the press and attended hearings in Augusta because they want this charter school.

Friends of Baxter stands with the kids. We want this wonderful school to open this fall as planned, and we want the public to know that the Friends of Baxter will do whatever we can to ensure Baxter Academy’s success.

Ruth Dean, chairwoman

Friends of Baxter Academy