NEWPORT – More than 45 people began the process Wednesday night of assessing whether SADs 38, 48 and 53 can become a consolidated school unit.

When letters of consolidation intent were sent to the Maine Department of Education in late August, SAD 53 listed the other two districts as possible options. However, SADs 38 and 48 did not list SAD 53.

The three districts, which cover three counties and represent 11 communities from Etna west to Pittsfield and Corinna south to Burnham, were linked by the state’s consolidation plan, however, and are pursuing a joint district.

Those attending Wednesday night’s initial meeting included municipal, school board and community leaders from all 11 towns. Each person was appointed by their local school district. The meeting was facilitated by Walter McIntire, who has been provided by the state to ease the process along.

“The task here is to determine where are the disconnects, where are the commonalities,” McIntire said. “It’s taking an inventory.”

St. Albans resident Peter Duncombe questioned McIntire, however, on the process itself.

“You said earlier this process was about the children,” Duncombe said. “But isn’t the motivation really to save money? And don’t you believe that it will cost us more money in the first year?”

Most in attendance agreed with Duncombe, joining in laughter at what some believe is the absurdity of the consolidation plan.

“In the long run, I believe this will save money,” McIntire said. “For example, I’m working with a group of eight SADs that serve 3,200 children. There are opportunities for quick savings and in the long run, time will tell.”

But, he admitted, “I share your concern.”

The subcommittees will deal with curriculum, facilities, finance, policy and support services. School administrators are sitting on each committee as resources only, SAD 48 Superintendent William Braun explained.

McIntire warned the committee members that they were advisory groups only. “You are not a decision-making body,” McIntire said. “It is your responsibility to get out the message and to clarify issues.” He said the final vote will be in a regionwide referendum that could take place as early as next spring.

He said that since SAD 53 submitted more than one option in its letter of intent, it must make a decision about a single course by the end of September.

Meanwhile, the joint committee must file a letter with the Maine Department of Education by Dec. 1 that indicates progress in creating a regional school unit and details what issues are unresolved.

“It sounds like a long way away, but in reality it is a very short time,” Braun said.

Each of the subcommittees then met individually to work on issues as varied as school lunch programs, curricula, board governance, school policies, facilities and assets, special services and vocational education.

The subcommittees will continue to meet and will come back together for a full RSU meeting on Sept. 26.