School consolidation bills to have hearings

Kennebec Journal, February 26, 2008

(excerpt) The bills would, among other initiatives:

• Expand the definition of a regional school unit to include districts that do not provide education through grade 12.

• Detail the process for holding referendums for residents to approve school unit budgets.

• Delay the deadline for referendums for approving the proposed regional school units until Jan. 16, 2009.

As school districts across Maine begin to implement what Finch calls "an incredible change in the way education operates," the uncertainty about the process that remains could be reflected in testimony at today's public hearings.

"Everything's open to discussion," Harlow said.