ORONO – Residents got a chance to learn Tuesday night about the state’s mandated school reorganization plan and what it could mean for Orono.

While the public had a few questions, Superintendent Kelly Clenchy said residents will get another chance to voice their opinion on the consolidation next week.

A meeting has been set for 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 22, at Orono High School for the reorganization committee to get advice from one of the state’s facilitators and from the public about which potential partnerships are best for the town.

“That will help us in moving forward with this process,” Clenchy said.

The effort to consolidate Maine’s 152 school administrative systems into 80 regional school units was signed into law in early June, and by Aug. 31, each school unit must file a notice with the commissioner of its intent to engage in planning and negotiations with other schools.

Under the state Department of Education’s recommendation, Orono, Old Town and Union 90, which includes Alton, Bradley, Greenbush and Milford, would combine to form a regional school unit.

Glenburn may go against the state’s recommendation that they join with Hudson, Kenduskeag, Stetson, Corinth and Bradford, and instead decide to join with Orono.

“We’re committed to collaborating with Union 90, Old Town, Veazie and Glenburn as a starting point, but we need to listen to our public,” Clenchy said. “Nothing is decided at all. This is a starting point, and we’re exploring as many options as we can.”

By Dec. 1, each school unit must submit its reorganization plan or alternative plan to the commissioner, who then will approve or return it by Dec. 15.

Municipal referendums then will be held by Jan. 15, 2008, with plans received or revised after Dec. 15, 2007, having to go to a municipal vote by June 10, 2008.

In units where voters reject the reorganization plan at referendum, communities will have until Nov. 4, 2008, to create a new proposal for reorganization and hold a referendum vote. Units not approving a plan by this date will be subject to financial penalties.