Ryan Crocker urges RSU 04 board to restore fifth science teacher, warns students lost robotics and AP time

Ryan Crocker, a former chemistry and computer‑science teacher and robotics coach at Oak Hill High School, urged the RSU 04 school board to reverse a decision that eliminated a fifth high‑school science teacher, saying the change has already reduced AP biology instructional time and eliminated robotics from the schedule.

"As a result of cutting the fifth science teacher, courses needed to be removed from the curriculum, rescheduled or reduced in length," Crocker told the board during the public‑comment portion of the budget meeting. He said AP Biology was reduced from one and a half‑hour blocks to a single period, "so those students are losing some of the valuable instructional time, laboratory lessons, and individualized attention that is so crucial to passing advanced placement exams."

Crocker described robotics as eliminated for the year and said computer‑science offerings were curtailed after the staffing reduction, citing instances in which a course that previously had 12 students was cut to six. He said uncertainty about hiring after a chemistry‑lab incident contributed to lower applicant interest for the science opening and that the department already knows of a certified teacher willing to take the position if it is restored.

Crocker also noted community support at a prior public budget meeting, saying warrant article votes had added $50,000 to the regular‑instruction budget "by a vote of 92 yes to 57 no," and left the board with documents showing AP course demand and state job prospects in computer science. "I beg the school board to reconsider its decision to reduce the number of science teachers," he said.

The board did not act on Crocker’s request during the meeting. Instead, members moved into a line‑by‑line review of cost centers and asked staff to provide revenue figures and options for reductions at the next meeting; a public hearing on the budget was scheduled by staff for April 3.

Crocker concluded his remarks by leaving supporting documents with the board and saying he would not take more time from the meeting; staff thanked him and the board proceeded to the budget discussion.