The Town of Buckfield Select Board voted to allow the Education Exploration Committee to request an ED 279 analysis from the State of Maine to produce detailed estimates of student counts, staffing requirements and funding formulas that would inform any petition or potential withdrawal from the regional school arrangement.

Neil, a Select Board member and representative to the Education Exploration Committee, described the immediate need for accurate numbers. He said the committee aims to “see if we can get enough votes to move forward” and that state-prepared ED 279 figures will let residents see potential costs and state funding for a three-town configuration. The committee is exploring whether Hartford, Somerville and Buckfield could proceed together and noted signature and timing requirements for a petition and subsequent town votes.

Committee members and board members outlined the steps and contingencies: anyone may circulate a petition to initiate withdrawal; the petition requires a threshold of signatures based on the last gubernatorial election; each town would hold a vote on withdrawal and, if proceeding, might raise funds for legal costs. The committee reported that Jason Long contacted the state and confirmed that an ED 279 could be prepared without direct cost to the towns, and that the request must come from a committee that the town authorizes.

Select Board member Sandra recorded her vote in favor during the roll call. The motion was made and seconded; the board voted in the affirmative and directed the committee to request ED 279 data. Committee leaders emphasized that the process is reversible: “at any point during this withdrawal process … we can withdraw,” Neil said, adding that community support across all three towns is required and the Select Board’s vote grants the committee permission only to request the state analysis.

The committee said it will use the ED 279 figures to produce a clearer cost estimate for residents in advance of any formal petition or vote and plans a public hearing or joint meeting of the three towns to present the results. The next Education Exploration Committee meeting is scheduled for June 12 at 6:30 p.m. at the Hartford Community Building.