I worked at Elan School the final two years it was open. Never once did I see the so-called boxing ring. What I observed were students encouraging each other to finish their work for the school classes. I taught computers, English and history, among other subjects. On Friday nights, there was a large study hall […]
elan school
Posted inLetters
Elan helped many at-risk youths
I worked at Elan School in Poland from 1985 to 1990. I started out as an entry level staff and then became a house director. The school helped many at-risk youths during my time there. Most of them had the choice of Elan or juvenile detention. The school has had some negative stories written about […]
advertisement
Posted inLetters
Death needs further investigation
I am so angry after reading the Sun Journal story about the Elan School (March 13). I believe every word of it and remember the rumors and stories about that school. Why the state did not investigate, I cannot imagine. Perhaps it was because it believed in smaller government; or that kids who weren’t nice […]
Posted inLewiston-Auburn
The day ‘Officer Smiley’ helped a boy escape from the Elan School
LEWISTON — The boy was 16, small for his age, and crying, shaking and begging not to be taken back to the Elan School. It was 1979. The boy was sitting in the front seat of Lt. Max Ashburn’s police car, and Ashburn didn’t know what to do with him. As school liaison officer for the […]
Posted inLewiston-Auburn, Maine
Police: Death of Elan School student is ‘priority’ for state investigators
LEWISTON — State police are looking into the 1982 death of an Elan School student, calling it “a priority” for the Southern Maine Major Crimes Unit. The death of Phil Williams Jr. was the focus of a Sun Journal story last weekend. “It’s open, active; we’ll see how it plays out,” Lt. Brian McDonough said […]
Posted inLewiston-Auburn
Government officials deny plan to house immigrant children in Poland
LEWISTON — A number of agencies and offices named in a Sun Journal story published in Wednesday’s paper told the newspaper they are not working with a woman who has proposed bringing 120 immigrant children to the former Elan School in Poland. Also Wednesday, Gov. Paul LePage issued a statement opposing the possibility of unaccompanied […]
Posted inAndroscoggin County, Maine
Elan School: Torment or treatment?
Some former students say their experience at the controversial school saved their lives. Others wonder whether they will ever recover from the abuse they say they suffered there decades ago.