Several consolidation proposals rejected in Maine

At least eight of 18 proposals in Maine to consolidate school administrations into regional units have been defeated at polls around the state Tuesday, according to unofficial results. Residents from Allagash to Brewer and from Deer Isle to Jackman cast ballots to sink reorganization plans in their areas. Three consolidation plans were approved to serve communities in the Old Town, Orono and Bucksport areas, according to unofficial tallies. The results on proposals in other areas were not available. Eighteen plans to consolidate school administrations for 110 individual school districts with an estimated enrollment of 34,888 students were voted on Tuesday. Thirteen of 22 plans voted on in November and earlier this month already have been approved by voters. The state’s deadline for referendums on the proposals is Jan. 30.To read The Bangor Daily News article, click here. EARLIER: January 27 is the final chance for 14 towns and plantations in Somerset County, Maine, to approve school district consolidation plans and avoid the loss of state revenue. The referendum vote would create one regional school unit from three school districts, SADs 59, 74 and 13. Also included in the new district, if it is approved, would be The Forks, Caratunk, Dennistown Plantation and Pleasant Ridge, which are not part of any district. The plan would unite the districts, keeping open their individual high schools — Madison, Carrabec and Valley. To read The Bangor Daily News article, click here.