Select Board forms ad hoc committee to research options for local schools with Hartford and Sumner

The Town of Buckfield Select Board voted to create an ad hoc “education exploration” committee to research options for the town’s schools and to invite participation from Hartford and Sumner residents.

The committee’s stated purpose is to research and explore educational options for Buckfield, Hartford and Sumner — including potential costs of withdrawing from the existing regional arrangement, the cost to operate local schools independently, and whether there are savings or organizational benefits from other governance models. Select Board members said the vote is an authorization to allow residents to form a committee, gather information and report back; it is not itself a decision to change school governance or trigger statutory steps.

Select Board member Neil (participating remotely) and others suggested the work should include comparing current RSU 10 expenditures with local returns to the schools and estimating one-time costs to separate if that path were pursued. Board members said they expect the group to develop its own bylaws and meeting schedule and to request documents or data as needed; the board will offer logistical support and a place to meet. The motion carried by voice vote.