ROCKLAND, Maine — A yes vote to start Rockland’s withdrawal from the regional school district will make it impossible to follow through on a plan to overhaul the school system by consolidating schools and cutting costs, according to district leaders.
The chief proponent of the withdrawal referendum disputed that assertion, however, and said she still recommends that Rockland residents support the measure on Nov. 3.
Last week, Regional School Unit 13 Superintendent John McDonald unveiled his “Schools of the Future” plan, which called for creating a single high school, a single middle school and closing three schools in the district. This, he said, would create a common curriculum for the district.
After the presentation Thursday night, the superintendent and board Chairman Steve Roberts discussed the impact that the withdrawal referendum would have on that plan.
“Passage of the referendum would make it impossible to move ahead,” Roberts said. “These plans would have to be put on the shelf.”
Two weeks ago, selectmen in Thomaston said they would oppose any plan to close schools in Thomaston if Rockland supported withdrawal. The superintendent’s plan calls for closing the Lura Libby School in Thomaston.
Rockland school board member Esther “Tess” Kilgour said, however, that she continues to support a yes vote next month.
“Plans have not been the problem for RSU 13. Implementation is where the rubber hits the road. There was no plan for curriculum improvement, no financial analysis or cost analysis presented and no detail regarding the timeline given,” Kilgour said.
The Rockland board member said she would like a more thorough outline concerning where and how the savings are calculated and how those savings would translate into payment for $13 million in renovations and additions to schools noted in the superintendent’s proposal. RSU 13 Business Manager Peter Orne said Thursday the savings on energy from renovations as well as savings from closing schools would offset the expenses.
“Rockland should still start the withdrawal process, in my opinion. The plan is still just that and Rockland owes its students and taxpayers all options in order for them to make an informed decision,” Kilgour said.
She said the withdrawal process can be discontinued at any time up to the final vote to withdraw. If the vote is approved next month, a Rockland committee would be formed to negotiate a withdrawal plan with the district.
Kilgour said the withdrawal process could still hold the district accountable for implementing the plan.
The school district’s business manager has projected that withdrawal would cost Rockland an additional $1.5 million to $3 million annually.
The reorganization, if approved by the board, would take effect next fall, except for the McLain closure, which would occur in the fall of 2017.
The RSU 13 board will meet to discuss the proposals at a meeting on Thursday, Oct. 15. There will be community forums for the public through the end of October. The board will vote on the plan at its Nov. 5 meeting.