Revised School Consolidation Plan on Tap for Western Hancock County Towns
Written by James Straub
Thursday, July 01, 2010 at 8:25 am
BLUE HILL — A proposed school consolidation plan involving nine towns in western Hancock County fell flat on its face
when presented to voters last year, but a revised plan could go to voters in November.
After considering changes in the consolidation law made by the Legislature after last year’s vote, school officials in May
agreed to work on another plan that would consolidate school administration in the Union 93 towns of Blue Hill, Castine,
Penobscot and Brooksville, the Union 76 towns of Brooklin, Sedgwick and Deer Isle-Stonington and the town of Surry.
While work is going forward on revising the alternative organizational structure (AOS) consolidation plan presented last
year, enthusiasm for the work and prospects for selling a new plan to voters varies widely among participants.
“There are varying degrees of interest in forming an AOS, but all towns are represented,” said Union 76 Superintendent
Bob Webster. “It’s all over the map. Some are very interested, and some are barely interested.”
Union 93 Superintendent Mark Hurvitt made a similar observation when addressing the Blue Hill Board of Selectmen two
weeks ago.
“The Blue Hill School Board is lukewarm about the idea,” he said. “Things are going well and they’re not sure how it
would be to join eight other towns.”
For more education news, pick up a copy of The Ellsworth American.
Commentary Note:
School Consolidation fell flat on it's face with the voice of the voters. What is it that these Superintendents and
school board members do not understand when they continue to discuss consolidation over and over again.
The voice of the voters said NO. Just because the State of Maine offers a one time, lump some of cash as an
offer to consolidate, the Superintendent's get all excited at the offer and bring up the consolidation subject once
again. The State basically TELLS us we have to consolidate, yet each year they cut and cut and cut suppliment
monies that we need for funding their manditory programs. My suggestion to them would be to pay full attention to
those who vote and put these people on the school boards. Sometimes board members forget who they are
working for, and who raises the money for our schools come Town meeting time.
I remind these Superintendent's, Not a good time to irritate the VOICE OF THE VOTER .
Glen Ashe, North Penobscot, Maine
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