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| Meeting Information | Summary of School Reorganization Law | Reorganization Planning Committee |
| Time Table | Submittal of Notice of Intent | Submittal of Reorganization Plan |
12/12/08
There will be a public hearing in each of the Union 90 towns to discuss the upcoming January 27 School Consolidation referendum. The public hearing dates and times for each town is as follows:
Greenbush - January 7, 2009 at 7:00pm (in the gym)
Milford - January 8, 2009 at 7:30 pm (in the school cafeteria)
Alton - January 12. 2009 at 7:00 pm (in the gym)
Bradley - January 14, 2009 at 6:00 pm (at the Bradley Town Office)
11/22/08
The referendum date to vote on the school reorganization plan has been set in all 5 communities for January 27, 2008.
11/07/08
Commisioner of Education Susan Gendron approves the Old Town / Union 90 reorganization plan. The plan will now go to the voters in January to accept or decline.
10/29/08
The Old Town / Union 90 RPC's receive "plan" feedback from the Commisioner. RPC members address the minor changes requested by the Commissioner.
10/27/08
The Old Town / Union 90 Superintendents submit proposed reorganization plan to the Commissioner of Education.
Proposed plan version 10.27.08
10/21/08
Old Town, Alton, Bradley, Greenbush, and Milford school boards vote to submit reorganization plan. By law, the school boards must submit the plan. This vote does not reflect an approval or disapproval of the plan, it is a vote to submit.
9/25/08
The Old Town / Union 90 Reorganization Planning Committee is at the stage where they have a draft plan to be presented to the school unit lawyers for review.
A Milford community meeting is scheduled for Thursday October 2, 2008 to discuss the draft plan with the citizens of Milford. A "frequently asked questions" handout based upon the current draft plan can be downloaded below:
9/17/08
The Old Town / Union 90 Reorganization Planning Committee met at the Old Town Elementary School to continue their work on the School Consolidation reorganization plan.
8/27/08
The Old Town / Union 90 Reorganization Planning Committee met at the Old Town Elementary School to continue their work on the School Consolidation reorganization plan.
8/20/08
The Old Town / Union 90 Reorganization Planning Committee met at the Old Town Elementary School to continue their work on the School Consolidation reorganization plan.
The focus of the discussion was the cost/debt sharing formula developed by the RPC finance committee. The formula is based upon 50% student population and 50% town valuation. Debt service was included in the cost sharing plan for two reasons. First, it makes sense to have Penobscot Regional Schools assume debt service on building maintenance projects that add value to the buildings and reduce future maintenance liabilities for the RSU. Second, the assumption of debt helps alleviate the cost-shifting impact of the 50%/50% Formula, which would have placed an undue burden on Old Town.
After an evening of discussion the Alton, Bradley, Greenbush, Milford, and Old Town RPC's agreed with the cost/debt sharing aggreement.
8/13/08
The Old Town / Union 90 Reorganization Planning Committee met at the Dr. Lewis S. Libby School in MIlford to continue their work on the School Consolidation reorganization plan.
The finance committee presented their cost sharing recommendations to the entire RPC group.
8/12/08
RPC Finance committee meet at Lewis Libby School to continue development of cost sharing aggreement. Finance committee will develop cost sharing formula and then make a recommendation to the entire RPC group.
7/30/08
RPC Finance committee meet at Lewis Libby School to continue development of cost sharing aggreement.
7/23/08
The Old Town / Union 90 Reorganization Planning Committees met at the Dr. Lewis S. Libby School in MIlford to continue their work on the School Consolidation reorganization plan.
Jake Clockedile presented several different cost sharing options for the RPC to consider.
7/9/2008
The Old Town / Union 90 Reorganization Planning Committees met at the Dr. Lewis S. Libby School in MIlford to continue their work on the School Consolidation reorganization plan.
Harvey discussed conceptually the subject of cost
sharing . This discussion will lay the groundwork for our
development of a cost sharing formula.Draft language was approved for:
4. The composition, powers and duties of any local school committees to be created.
5. The disposition of real and personal school property.
Real Property and Fixtures
Personal Property
Agreements to Share or to Jointly Own Property
6/25/2008
The Old Town / Union 90 Reorganization Planning Committees met at the Dr. Lewis S. Libby School in MIlford to continue their work on the School Consolidation reorganization plan.
Draft language was approved for:
4. The composition, powers and duties of any local school committees to be created.
5. The disposition of real and personal school property.
Real Property and Fixtures
Personal Property
Agreements to Share or to Jointly Own Property
6/11/2008
The Old Town / Union 90 Reorganization Planning Committees met at the Viola Rand school in Bradley to continue their work on the School Consolidation reorganization plan.
Elements 1 and 2 of the Old Town / Union 90 reorganization plan were shown on a screen to the entire RPC for discussion and consensus. As concensus was reached the specific wording was finalized.
Draft language was approved for:
1A. The units of school administration to be included in the proposed Penobscot Regional Schools
1.B. Statement of Intent of the Penobscot Regional Schools
1.C. Mission Statement for the Penobscot Regional Schools
2. The Size, Composition and Apportionment of the Governing Body
Size and Composition
Term of Office
Initial Terms for Board of Directors
Election of Officers
Compensation
Vacancies
5/28/2008
RSU 16 RPC members from Alton, Bradley, Greenbush, Milford, Old Town met at the Old Town Elementary School to continue their work on the School Consolidation reorganization plan.
The RPC has aquired a new facilitator, Harvey Hayden from Farmington, Maine.
Bio Coming Soon
A current draft of the Governance plan has been distributed to all RSU members and the facilitator has sent a copy to Augusta for review (not a submittal for approval).
All committee members have received the preliminary finance information from Old Town and Union 90. The finance committee will be meeting Friday June 6 for some detailed work related to finances. It is anticpated that multiple finance options will be presented to the entire RPC shortly in order to begin to formulate the Finance portion of the reorganization plan.
The RPC anticipates a November 2008 referendum vote of the Reorganization Plan. Timelines for RPC sub-committee and group work are being developed based upon a November vote.
The following meeting schedule was announced:
RSU Finance Committee Meeting
Date: Friday June 6
Place: Bradley Town Office
Time: 9:00 am
Purpose: RSU Finances
Reorganization Planning Committee Meeting
Date: Wednesday June 11
Place: Viola Rand School, Bradley
Time: 6:30 PM
Purpose: Ongoing Development of Reorganization Plan
5/20/2008
Old Town, Union 90 RSU Co-Chairs receive letter from the Commissioner informing them that she has approved the Orono, Veazie, Glenburn RSU request. Union 90 RSU Co-Chair distributes letter to all Union 90 RSU members.
5/14/2008
RSU 16 committee members from Alton, Bradley, Greenbush, Milford, Old Town met at the Alton elementary school to discuss:
- recent legislative changes to the school consolidation law
- half day consolidation workshop
- acquisition of a new facilitator
- develop a meeting schedule to finalize a reorganization plan.
Superintendents Walker and Smith summarized the impact of LD 2323 based upon a presentation superintendents received from Drummond Woodsum.
Drummond Woodsum LD 2323 Summary
A half day workshop will be held on Thursday June 19, 2008 at the Augusta Civic Center to dicuss the "revised" school consolidation statute. The workshop is being presented by Drummond Woodsum. The registration fee is $110.00 per person. Any RPC member or citizen is welcome to attend
There are easy ways to register: Download Registration Form
- On Line @ www.SchoolLaw.com
- Maili reistration form to SchoolLaw.com, PO Box 7570 DTS, Portland, ME 04112 or Fax registration form to 207-772-3627
- Contact Janet Tobkin at 1-800-727-1941
Due to a family emergency Sandra Bernstein has had to step down as facilitator. We have contacted Harvey Hayden regarding his availability to assume responsibility for facilitation of the RSU 16 RPC. He is available to do this work. He will be attending our May 28th meeting.
With the passage of LD2323 several RPC members expressed that it is important that we meet on a regular bi-weekly basis. Financial discussions must become a priority. The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday May 28th, 6:30pm at the Old Town Elementary School.
Subsequent to the 5/14/2008 meeting, Scott Hayden has requested (5/19) that David Walker and Alan Smith provide the following financial comparison information for our 5 towns prior to our May 28th meeting:
Operating Costs Less Debt Service
Determine Percentage of Pupils
Determine Regional EPS Allocations
Determine Debt Service
Combine New RSU Allocations and Debt Service Allocations
Calculate Maximum Local Share per Mill Expectation
Calculate Minimum Local Contributions
Calculate State Contribution
Calculation of Additional Local Money
5/7/2008
Commissioner informs Orono, Veazie, and Glenburn that their RSU has been approved. (Old Town and Union 90 are not informed)
Commissioner Approval Letter (Glenburn)
5/4/2008
Here is a summary of LD 2323 with the adopted House Admendment G.
This is the summary drafted by the Legislature’s Revisor’s Office for LD 2323 (found at the end of the official bill document):
4/18/2008
Legislative Update: Legislature Enacts Reorganization Law Changes
http://www.maine.gov/education/news/enews/reorgprint_20080418.html
The Legislature gave final approval this morning to LD 2323, An Act To Remove Barriers to the Reorganization of School Administrative Units, this morning. The House enacted the bill on a 92-41 vote Thursday night and the Senate voted 22-12 shortly after noon today.
Additional info :
http://www.maine.gov/education/news/enews/reorgprint_20080418.html)
4/8/2008
LD #1932 "An Act To Amend the Laws Regarding School Funding"
Update: In what has to be the fastest piece of legislative action to occur during the entire 123rd Legislature, the Governor vetoed LD 1932 late yesterday afternoon, and it was returned to the Senate, where the veto was upheld by a vote of 23 - 12. Since both bodies must approve and override by a twothirds vote, this effectively kills LD 1932.
The Governor reports that he has submitted legislation to cover what the administration calls technical changes. These include negotiating local cost-sharing agreements, minimum special education subsidies, and removal of the 2-mill requirement. It would also create a single budget format for all districts.
The role call votes for enactment (#393) and veto override (#394) are listed below.
We will send additional information as the rest of the legislative process unfolds around LD 2280, LD 2281, and any new legislation.
3/24/2008
RSU 16 Co-Chairs Jim Dill and Scott Hayden recieve March progress report response from the Commissionor of Education.
3/17/2008
RSU 16 Co-Chairs Jim Dill and Scott Hayden submit the March progress report to the Commissionor of Education.
3/4/2008
RSU 16 committee members from Alton, Bradley, Greenbush, Milford, Old Town met at the Old Town elementary school.The RSU facilitator updated the group concerning recent legislative activities and the Commisioners letter's to Orono and Veazie. Afterwards, RPC members voted not to meet again until April 16 due to pending legislative changes of the consolidation law.
2/5/2008
RSU 16 committee members from Alton, Bradley, Greenbush, Milford, Old Town met at the Old Town elementary school. Orono, Veazie, and Glenburn RPC members did not attend.After introductions by Co-Chair Jim Dill the RSU facilitator updated the group concerning recent legislative activities and the Commisioners letter's to Orono and Veazie (See links 1/30 links). Afterwards, RPC members separated into their sub-committees to continue working on governance, finance, and property. Discussion within each group included:
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Governace:
- Weighted voting, 6, 3, 2, 2, 1 for a board size of 14.
- Each municipality could decide to form volunteer advisory committees if desired.
- All authority would reside with RSU Board.
-
Finance Committee:
- Little progress on cost sharing due to LD1932 decisions
- Concerns were expressd about “School Choice”. School choice will siphon funds from the RSU.
- School choice communities will need to have a candid discussion concerning the pros and cons of school choice. The RPC needs guidance from public and school boards concerning this matter.
-
Property Committee
- Looking at all of the deeds.
- Would like to have formal agreements with town concerning use of school and fields prior to the formation of the RSU.
- They are thinking that all schools would retain their names.
1/30/2008
The Orono and Veazie School Departments received a letter from the Commisioner of Education stating they should continue working with RSU #16. The school departments have protested saying that the letter of intent for the smaller unit had been approved and therefore, they were following the correct procedure.
2/11 DOE Clarification - Orono |
2/11 DOE Clarification - Veazie |
1/23/2008
RSU 16 committee members from Alton, Bradley, Greenbush, Milford, Old Town met at the Helen S. Dunn elementary school in Greenbush. The meeting began with introductions from RSU Committee Co-Chair Scott Hayden.
After introductions the RSU facilitator updated the group concerning recent legislative activities and Orono's departure from RSU 16 talks. Afterwards, the entire RSU group discussed Governance, specifically weighted voting.
1/15/2008
At tonight's Orono School Committee meeting it was moved and seconded that the Orono School Committee revisit their vote from November 29, 2007 when the Orono School Committee voted to begin negotiating a RSU with Old Town, Alton, Bradley, Milford, Greenbush, (and Veazie / Glenburn if they chose to join).
After much discussion it was voted 5-0 to move forward in consolidating with Glenburn and Veazie discontinuing their negotiations with Old Town, Alton, Bradley, Milford, and Greenbush.
1/11/2008
Yesterday, the Education and Cultural Affairs Committee agreed to give Commissioner Susan A. Gendron the flexibility to establish new timelines for the submission of revisions of reorganization and a lternative plans. You are no longer required to submit a revision by February 1, 2008. New timelines have been established .
All proposed RSUs anticipating a June 2008 referendum must submit their plans to the Department of Education for final review and Commissioner’s approval no later than March 28, 2008. All units not ready to submit a final plan by March 28, 2008 must submit a status/progress report by March 28, 2008 . Any plan submitted prior to March 28, 2008 will be reviewed and responded to within 15 days.
1/8/2008
RSU 16 committee members from Alton, Bradley, Greenbush, Milford, Old Town and Orono met at the Orono High School. The meeting began with introductions from RSU Committee Tri-Chair Tom Perry.
After introductions the RSU facilitator asked if there were any questions from the public and then the RSU committee members then split off to continue work in their particular sub-committees (Governance, Finance, Property, Personnel, Transition). Sub-committees met for approximately 90 minutes.
At approximately 8:15 the sub-committees ended their work. All committee members then gathered as one group. A progress summary was giving to the group from each sub-committee chair.
Governace - Focusing on developing a weighted vote system
Finance - Continued discussion on cost sharing formula. Scheduled meeting with Jim Reir, Dept. of Education.
Property - Continued research into ownership and use agreements
Personnel - Begining to collect contract data from each municipality
Transition - Developing a mission statement
12/19/2007
A RSU 16 finance discussion was held at the Lewis S. Libby School in Milford to listen to Mr. Jim Rier from the Department of Education.
12/11/2007
RSU 16 committee members from Alton, Bradley, Greenbush, Milford, Old Town and Orono met at the Old Town Elementary School. The meeting began with introductions from Co-Chairs Jim Dill and Scott Hayden. The Co-Chairs suggested that a third chair be selected from the the town of Orono. Tom Perry was selected.
After the selection of the third chair person the meeting was then facilitated by Sandra Bernstein. RSU committee members then split off to begin work in their particular sub-committee (Governance, Finance, Property, Personnel, Transition). Sub-committees met for approximately 90 minutes.
12/1/2007
The Milford School Committee submitted (by law) the following reorganization plan. The plan is incomplete due to a state-wide slowing of the entire consolidation process. The plan submitted simply states the towns we are currently having consolidation discussions with.
Reorganization Plan Submitted on December 1, 2007
The RSU 16 committee consisting of the towns of Alton, Bradley, Greenbush, Milford, Orono, and Old Town are currently working on the development of this plan.
11/26/2007
Reorganization Planning Committee members from Old Town, Orono, Veazie, Glenburn, Alton, Bradley, Milford, and community members met at the Orono Council building to discuss consolidation. This meeting was requested by the Orono RPC in order to further consider their options of joining the State's proposed larger RSU 16 verses a smaller RSU.
After a 90 minute discussion involving the public and RPC members, Orono PRC members then met to formulate their decision.When all was said and done a motion was made to bring to the Orono School Committee the smaller RSU. The motioned failed 4-2. A motion was then made to bring to the Orono School Committee the larger RSU configuration consisting of Orono, Veazie, Glenburn, Old Town, Alton, Bradley, Milford and Greenbush. That motion passed 4-1 with 1 abstaining vote.
The Orono School Committee meets on November 29th to consider their RPC's recommendation.
11/14/2007
The RSU 16 reorganization planning committee met officially to begin the consolidation process. The meeting was held at the Old Town Elementary School. The meeting was facilatated by Sandy Bernsein from New Canada, Maine. Jim Dill and Scott Hayden were elected as the Co-Chairs for the RSU 16 RPC.
Old Town and Union 90 are ready to proceed in the process but Orono and Veazie are still considering other options. Currently, Notices of Intent are shared amoung the towns of Alton, Bradley, Greenbush, Milford, Old Town, Orono, and Veazie.
10/9/2007
The Milford Reorganization Planning Committee met at the Lewis S. Libby School to discuss the 13 elements required in the reorganization plan. These elemements include: 1. The units of school administration to be included in the proposed reorganized regional school unit. 2. The size, composition and apportionment of the governing body. 3. The method of voting of the governing body. 4. The composition, powers and duties of any local school committees to be created. 5. The disposition of real and personal school property. 6. The disposition of existing school indebtedness and lease-purchase obligations if the parties elect not to use the provisions of section 1506 regarding the disposition of debt obligations. 7. The assignment of school personnel contracts, school collective bargaining agreements and other school contractual obligations. 8. The disposition of existing school funds and existing financial obligations, including undesignated fund balances, trust funds, reserve funds and other funds appropriated for school purposes. 9. A transition plan that addresses the development of a budget for the first school year of the reorganized unit and interim personnel policies. 10. Documentation of the public meeting or public meetings held to prepare or review the reorganization plan. 11. An explanation of how units that approve the reorganization plan will proceed if one or more of the proposed members of the regional school unit fail to approve the plan. 12. An estimate of the cost savings to be achieved by the formation of a regional school unit and how these savings will be achieved. 13. Such other matters as the governing bodies of the school administrative units in existence on the effective date of this chapter may determine to be necessary.
9/27/2007
Union 90 Jt. Board and Reorganization Committees met to discuss the commissioner's response to the Notices of Intent. Superintendent Smith discussed the different components required in creating the required Dept. of Education Reorganization Plan. Superintendent Smith will contact the Old Town, Orono, and Veazie school departments to set up a formal Reorganization Planning Committee to proceed with consolidation plans between the Alton, Bradley, Greenbush, Milford, Old Town, Orono, and Veazie schools.
9/15/2007
Commisioner Gendron denies our Notice of Intent to form an RSU consisting of the towns of Alton, Bradley, Greenbush, Old Town, and Lagrange.
Commisioner Gendron accepts our Notice of Intent to form the State's recommended RSU consisting of the towns of Alton, Bradley, Greenbush, Old Town, Orono, and Veazie.
9/12/2007
The Milford School Committee and Reorganization Planning Committee held a public informational meeting at the Dr. Lewis S. Libby School to discuss the new school consolidation law.
8/31/2007
Milford School Committee submits two Notices of Intent to Commissioner Gendron.
8/30/07
The School Union 90 Joint Board met to discuss the submittal of each towns "Notice of Intent". The Milford School Committee and Reorganization Committee members unanimously agreed to submit two separate Notices of Intent.
One Notice of Intent includes the towns of Milford, Bradley, Alton, Greenbush, Old Town, Orono, and Veazie. The other Notice of Intent includes the towns of Milford, Bradley, Alton, Greenbush, Old Town, and Lagrange.
8/29/07
Milford RPC meets with other local RPCs representing Orono, Old Town, Veazie, Bradley, Greenbush, Alton, and Glenburn at the United Technologies Center in Bangor to discuss the reorganization process. Topics of discussion:
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Each town is considering submitting multiple Notices of Intents with a wide variation of possible partners. No date was set for future discussions.
8/25/07
The Milford School School Committee and Reorganization Planning Committee and Union 90 towns are in the preliminary stages of initiating discussions with surrounding towns to discuss the feasibility of forming a new Regional School Unit (RSU). For meeting dates and times go to the meeting information link.
We have met with the following towns: Alton, Bradley, Greenbush, Old Town, Orono, Veazie, Glenburn, Holden, Dedham, Clifton, Aurora.
8/16/07
Milford Reorganization Planning Committee (RPC) meets with other local RPC's at the Glenburn Elementary School. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the possibility of forming a RSU consisting of other small K-8 communities such as Holden, Dedham, Clifton (SAD 63), Aurora, and Glenburn. The Commisionor of Education was present at this meeting. Click on meeting minutes for the minutes of the meeting.
