STACYVILLE, Maine — Voters in the towns of Moro Plantation, Hersey, Patten, Sherman and Stacyville will be asked to cast ballots June 14, 2016 on whether to begin the process of withdrawing from RSU 50.
RSU 50 serves 12 communities — Crystal, Dyer Brook, Hersey, Island Falls, Merrill, Moro Plantation, Mt. Chase, Oakfield, Patten, Sherman, Smyrna and Stacyville.
RSU 50, a combination of the former SAD 25 (Katahdin) and CSD 9 (Southern Aroostook) school districts, was formed in 2011 as part of the state’s push for consolidation at that time. The district lies in northern Penobscot and southern Aroostook counties and is approximately 460 square miles, making it one of the largest geographic school regions in Maine.
Before a withdrawal vote can take place, the impacted communities must hold separate public hearings. Moro held its public hearing on Tuesday, May 31, while Patten residents will meet Wednesday, June 1, at 6:30 p.m. at the Patten Recreation Department. Hersey residents will gather Thursday, June 2, at 5:30 p.m. at the Patten Fire Station.
Two other public hearings have already taken place. Stacyville held its hearing on May 16, while Sherman conducted its event on May 24. A sixth community, Mount Chase, is already in the withdrawal process, having voted to do so on May 11, 2015.
Moro Plantation is asking residents to raise $2,500 for the process, while Hersey is seeking $5,000 and Patten is looking for $15,000.
The communities of the former SAD 25 began the withdrawal process after the RSU 50 board announced it was considering drastic cuts, including the possible closure of Katahdin Middle-High School due to declining enrollment in the region.
That plan met with much opposition as more than 400 people filled Katahdin Elementary School in January pleading with the board not to close the high school. By a split vote, the board opted not to pursue closing the school at that time, but could not rule out revisiting the possibility.
