Board discusses possibility of bussing Stockholm preK-8 students to Caribou
LIMESTONE, Maine — At a recent RSU 39 Board meeting, Superintendent Timothy Doak mentioned that an agreement between RSU 39 and Union 122 recently lapsed.
“I saw that it was an exclusive contract with New Sweden for Stockholm students,” Doak said, “then I noticed that the contract had lapsed by a week or two.”
The past arrangement had been that Stockholm students were bussed to New Sweden from kindergarten to grade 8, and then for students of both communities to attend Caribou for their high school education.
Depending on the next contract’s terms, parents of Stockholm preK-8 students may have the choice between New Sweden and Caribou.
“I would like to discuss this during our October meeting with the parents and community in Stockholm to see what they would like to do,” said Doak, adding that he has received personal inquiries from Stockholm residents, asking if their children can attend RSU 39 schools.
“A family moved into town and wanted their children to attend our schools, and when I checked the contract I found that it was exclusive,” Doak said. “There would have to be a superintendents’ agreement to get around it. I couldn’t accept them because it is exclusive that they attend preK-8 in New Sweden.”
“I think it was set up that way because the high schoolers came here as an exclusive,” said Clifford Rhome of the RSU 39 Board. “So, to help New Sweden, the elementary kids went there as an exclusive. It was a joint deal.”
According to the superintendent, the past contract is still the status quo for another year, and nothing will be done until there is a discussion with all the parties involved.
“I believe the Stockholm community should have a say,” Doak said. “They may so ‘no’, and want to stay with New Sweden. I also believe, that with the new school coming, we don’t want to box ourselves into something where we’ll be out of money because of the contract. Since the contract has lapsed, it is a good opportunity to let the people of Stockholm decide what they want to do.”
