LUDLOW, Maine — The town is once again mulling a decision to withdraw from the SAD 70 school district, after a citizens’ petition was presented to the board of selectmen Nov. 12.
According to Ludlow Town Manager Diane Hines, a citizens’ petition with 21 confirmed signatures of registered voters was presented to and accepted by selectmen during the regular meeting. A public hearing on the withdrawal will be held Thursday, Dec. 10, at 6:30 p.m. followed by a regular board meeting at 7 p.m. at the town office.
Individuals who cannot attend this meeting may submit their questions, concerns or opinions on the matter in writing to the town office, Hines said. That address is PO Box 487, Houlton, ME 04730.
To initiate a withdrawal process, a petition bearing the signatures of at least 10 percent of registered voters who participated in the last gubernatorial election must be submitted. The petition reads: “Do you favor a petition for withdrawal with the board of directors of Regional School Unit SAD 70 and with the Commissioner of Education, authorizing the withdrawal committee to expend $750 and authorizing the municipality, i.e. selectmen to issue notes in the name of the Town of Ludlow or otherwise pledge the credit of Ludlow in an amount not to exceed $3,500 for this purpose.”
Back in 2012, the town pursued pulling out of the school district and initiated the process twice. The first time around, in March 2012, residents voted 67-36 at a March referendum in favor of withdrawing. However, it was then discovered that an incorrect number of signatures was obtained when the process started, nullifying the referendum vote.
The process began all over and resulted in a question on the November ballot of 2012. At that time, residents defeated the proposal 150-79.
Supporters of withdrawal previously stated they believed the town could achieve a cost savings by switching school districts, but hard numbers for what that actual savings would be have been difficult to determine because any withdrawal would not happen until the following school year. Others expressed a desire for the town to join RSU 29
Those opposed stated their children wanted to remain in SAD 70 with their friends and preferred the smaller class sizes.
SAD 70 serves the communities of Amity, Cary Plantation, Haynesville, Hodgdon, Linneus, Ludlow and New Limerick. RSU 29 serves Houlton, Hammond, Littleton and Monticello.
