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OTIS — The School Board will meet Jan. 14 to consider options now that the town has voted not to join the new Regional School Unit 24 (RSU 24). The board held a special meeting Dec. 23 on whether to ask selectmen to authorize a revote on the consolidation plan. The board decided to take no action on that matter pending a study of the issue. Of the 13 towns that voted Dec. 9, Otis was the only one that opted not to join the newly consolidated school district, a merger mandated by the state. The vote in Otis was 57-37. Omar Norton, interim school superintendent for School Union 92, much of which is now part of the new RSU 24, said he had advised the town to join the new entity. “It took a year and a half to put together and I advised them to vote for it,” he said. “They chose to go otherwise, so now we’re in the aftermath of that situation.” Communities that did vote to join RSU 24 are Ellsworth, Sorrento, Waltham, Eastbrook, Mariaville, Winter Harbor, Steuben, Sullivan, Franklin, Lamoine, Gouldsboro and Hancock. Complicating matters is the fact that Otis shares Beech Hill School with Mariaville. Interested Otis citizens and education officials attended the special School Board meeting Dec. 23 to begin discussing alternatives. One worry is that joining the RSU could cost Otis more money when schools begin equalizing teacher salaries. “We’re trying to sit down with members of the community and the School Board to make sure the school will open come July,” said Jim Dunn, a parent who is joining with others to explore what lies ahead for their children. Among the options discussed at the meeting were joining another RSU and moving ahead alone. The parents and School Board also are closely watching the outcome of a Jan. 27 vote to combine the Hancock County towns of CSD 8 (Amherst, Aurora, Great Pond and Osborn) and Dedham with the Penobscot County communities of Orrington, SAD 63 (Clifton, Eddington, and Holden) and Brewer. “If they vote it down as well, that could open some doors for us,” Dunn said. “It doesn’t necessarily mean it would be better, it’s just something we could look into.” The one option for which Dunn held out little hope was the outcome of a revote should one take place. “At this point I wouldn’t think a revote would pass any better this time,” he said. The comments listed below are the opinion of the listed author and do not necessarily represent those of Ellsworth American, Inc. 1. Standing Alone
Bob Rabey Standing alone tends to make one stand out. Kuddos to Jim Dunn and the Town of Otis for not following the "same ol' same" and for looking into alternatives. The cost of education is headed in only one direction. Given the economic climate, reimbursement is a key point that won't be overlooked. 2. I stand alone but with Otis people
Serena Daigle PLEASE stand up to it make Mariaville move with you!!! We need better schools to give our kids their education that is needed and after my kids were failed by the Union 92 district, there were options that I didn't like but it was done and now I am paying if you join SAD #63 you will NOT regret it they have GREAT curriculm and they help kids without being called special needs. UNION #92 is all about the money they DO NOT care about education quality!!! |
