Veazie school drops 2 options Panel votes to withdraw from K-8 regionalization proposals

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VEAZIE – The School Committee officially voted Tuesday to opt out of two consolidation alternatives that previously were being considered. “If for no other reason, [it gives us] closure and focus on a specific alternative,” school committee member Gavin Batchelder said Tuesday.
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VEAZIE – The School Committee officially voted Tuesday to opt out of two consolidation alternatives that previously were being considered.

“If for no other reason, [it gives us] closure and focus on a specific alternative,” school committee member Gavin Batchelder said Tuesday.

The committee unanimously voted to withdraw itself from discussions involving a kindergarten through eighth-grade regional school unit. The idea of consolidating with other area towns that don’t have a high school previously was discussed, but didn’t meet the standards of the Department of Education Commissioner. Glenburn also has formally decided not to be part of that option.

“Honestly, I don’t see it as viable,” Batchelder said.

Veazie committee members also voted to cease discussions concerning the fourth letter of intent they submitted to the state that would have joined them with Orono, Glenburn and SAD 63, which consists of Holden, Clifton and Eddington.

“We’re in a position right now where we need to explore the two different paths that are in front of us at this time,” Chairwoman Duska Hayman said Tuesday.

Those options are two of the original letters of intent submitted by Veazie that were approved by Education Commissioner Susan Gendron. The first alternative would join Veazie, Orono and Glenburn in a regional school unit, while the second option creates a larger unit with Orono, Veazie, Old Town, Glenburn and Union 90, which includes Alton, Bradley, Greenbush and Milford.

The next regionalization planning committee meeting will be held at 7 p.m. today at the Orono Town Office. Another meeting will be held the following week at 7 p.m. Nov. 14 at the Old Town Elementary School.


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