STOCKHOLM, Maine — A recent lapse in a superintendents’ agreement between Union 122 and RSU 39 may give Stockholm parents a chance to send their kids to Caribou for preK-8 education. Previously, children in Stockholm were exclusively transported to New Sweden until eighth grade, and then to Caribou for high school.
The issue was brought to the board’s attention when they received a phone call from a Stockholm resident asking about the possibility of sending their child to Caribou. This prompted RSU 39 Superintendent Tim Doak to check the contract. For years, the agreement had been exclusive, but the contract’s formal ending prompted further discussion about the matter during their Sept. 7 meeting, in which the board agreed to bring the matter to Stockholm before going any further.
On Oct. 5, the board met at the Stockholm Community Center to speak with local residents and gauge the town’s attitude about the opportunity.
While the small audience primarily consisted of RSU 39 staff and faculty, a few local residents voiced their concerns.
“Part of why I looked at Stockholm was so I could send my boys to New Sweden,” said a mother, who recently moved to Stockholm. “I don’t care about taking the exclusivity out of the contract; that makes sense, especially if everybody doesn’t agree. I do have concerns about the bussing though, because I leave for work as soon as they’re on the bus. If I have to transport them myself, I’ll do it.”
Audience member Lindsey Theriault asked if a bussing contract would be necessary.
“You don’t need any contract from the RSU because you are already a member,” said Doak, adding that the district may even save money if they were to bus students to the school.
“You are all paying members of the RSU,” Doak said. “You should have a right to send your kids to Caribou school if you decide. This is your district.”
Stockholm resident and former RSU 39 Chairman John Sjostedt asked if simply removing the word “exclusive” would give the people of Stockholm a choice between the two schools.
“If that word is taken out, they have every right to go to Caribou,” the Superintendent said. “They could go to Fort Kent if they wanted.”
RSU Chairperson Tanya Sleeper explained that, if the contract was no longer exclusive, Stockholm residents would have a choice between New Sweden and Caribou, adding that some new parents might want to keep their kids in New Sweden while other may decide to send their kids to Caribou “in light of the new school coming.”
Before the board moved on to discuss other matters, the chairperson thanked everyone for their feedback and suggested they inform those who couldn’t make it about the opportunity.
Community members are urged to contact Superintendent Doak via email ( tdoak@rsu39.org) with any feedback on the matter.
