RSU 24 chair says weighted-vote system is statutory, urges full context for reporter

Board chair Jeff Eastman read a written response to an Ellsworth American reporter and told the RSU 24 school board he is concerned that a short quote could misrepresent a complex issue. "The weighted vote system is a result of state statute that requires all school districts to apportion votes according to town populations," Eastman said, adding that the arrangement is intended to balance representation across municipalities while reflecting population differences.

Eastman reviewed the district's history, saying the system and its delegates were originally designed to prevent a single delegate from holding votes larger than multiple towns combined. He said town withdrawals over time removed the original imbalance, but the apportionment remains statutory. "It is incumbent upon me to make the best argument I'm able to support my opinion and hope that others agree," he said, and warned he would ask an editor to publish his full letter if isolated quotes misstate his position.

The statement frames the matter as legal and historical rather than an internal policy choice; Eastman repeatedly tied the vote formula to state law and to a longstanding practice that board members said intended to preserve one-person, one-vote principles while respecting town representation.

Board members commended Eastman's transparency. During later board review, members thanked him for responding to the reporter and for offering a full explanation to the public. No formal motion or policy change was proposed during the chair's report; the item was presented as an informational explanation ahead of a likely news article.