Voters consider pulling out of school district

WEST FORKS – Residents frustrated by growing education costs are considering cutting ties with the local school district or even taking the more drastic step of dismantling town government.

West Forks Plantation voters plan a special town meeting Monday night to vote on whether to pull out of School Administrative District 13, or to “deorganize” and give up control over municipal services.

Either option would trigger a complicated, state-mandated process that could take two years.

Behind the meeting is long-simmering frustration over high education costs.

Town officials say they are determined to leave after trying unsuccessfully within SAD 13 to lower education costs.

The departure of West Forks would have significant ramifications for the district as well as the community itself. For starters, students would likely be sent a half-hour north to Jackman.