Monday, January 29, 2007

Town eyes secession from Union 96

Bangor Daily News, January 20, 2007

(excerpt) The Washington County town of Steuben is exploring a secession from School Union 96 in nearby Hancock County, a decision that could end what has sometimes been a strained relationship between the two counties.

School committee members in Steuben discussed with town selectmen last week the idea of withdrawing from the district, which includes five other Hancock County communities.

"As of three weeks ago, it was my understanding that the town did not have any interest in withdrawing. Then, the governor’s plan came out," Union 96 Superintendent William Webster said Friday.

Webster was referring to Gov. John Baldacci’s recent proposal to consolidate the state’s number of school districts from 152 to 26 in the hopes of saving $250 million.

The plan, if adopted, would create one district for all Hancock County communities and would likely be headquartered in Ellsworth.

Because Steuben is currently part of Union 96, it also would be included in that new district, and some school committee members said that’s a bad idea.

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