After a presentation on Act 73 and its planned changes to school governance and funding, the Windham Southeast Unified Union School District #9 board voted to allocate $2,000 from its board budget to the Rural Schools Community Alliance (RSCA) to support the group’s legislative advocacy.

The board’s discussion centered on Act 73, which a district steering-committee member described as creating a state-set "foundation formula" that would determine per-pupil funding and could require fewer, larger districts to spread tax impacts. "The primary change is that school boards will no longer build budgets with their administration and towns will no longer vote on them," David Skoll said during the legislative briefing. He also outlined timelines for a redistricting task force, a voting-ward working group, and a special election for new district boards in November 2027.

Jocelyn moved the funding motion and Tim seconded it. Board members asked whether the board budget could cover the requested amount; administrators confirmed unexpended funds in the professional services line. The motion passed on a voice vote.

Board members said the contribution was a pragmatic step to ensure RSCA can continue lobbying at a time when the task force’s recommendations are expected to move quickly to the legislature. "If parts of this are not welcoming, you need to communicate that to our legislators," Skoll said, urging board members and community members to contact their representatives in addition to providing financial support for advocacy.

The board and administration emphasized the group’s dual role: supporting lobbying and providing analysis for districts as the state implements class-size minimums, transportation requirements, and other Act 73 mandates.

Actions taken: The board voted to allocate $2,000 from the board budget to the Rural Schools Community Alliance to support legislative advocacy; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote.

Ending: Board members agreed to maintain ongoing updates on legislative developments and to host community forums and meetings with legislators to inform local residents about the potential effects of Act 73.