Article 6 on the Nov. 4 warrant asks Buckfield voters to authorize the town to expend up to $50,000 and to permit the select board to issue notes or otherwise pledge the town’s credit to cover the cost of pursuing a petition for withdrawal from Regional School Unit 10 (RSU 10).

Members of the town’s education exploration committee described the request at the Oct. 21 meeting as a funding step to hire counsel and conduct the financial and operational analyses required by state law for a withdrawal petition. Committee member Neil explained that the statutory withdrawal process requires multiple steps, including legal filings and negotiations, and that funds would be used to secure counsel and expert support; the committee emphasized that the withdrawal process could be stopped at any time if it proved infeasible.

Residents gave extended testimony both for and against beginning the process. Supporters cited local control and a desire to restore decision-making to the three-town area; opponents warned that withdrawal can be costly and that initial years may raise local taxes, citing experience from other towns that withdrew. Speakers referenced historical consolidation decisions, shifts in student counts and costs, and mandated services such as full-time pre-K as factors that affect any cost estimate.

The select board did not approve the $50,000 appropriation at the meeting; the article asks voters on Nov. 4 for authority to proceed with the withdrawal study and legal work. Committee members said the plan required all three towns that share RSU 10 to approve withdrawal-related actions for the process to move forward.