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Harrison board readies withdrawal committee; feasibility study and appointments planned
Summary
The Harrison Select Board discussed forming a school-withdrawal committee to study options after a ballot question passed; members outlined a two-step feasibility and negotiation process, asked staff to clarify statutory language, and planned appointments for July.
The Harrison Select Board on June 25 discussed next steps after voter approval of a ballot question to explore withdrawing from the current regional school district. Board members said the town will appoint three members to a withdrawal committee; the school board will appoint one member.
Board members emphasized the process would begin with a feasibility study to identify practical options — for example, whether Harrison could operate its own elementary school, join another district such as Lake Region, or remain with Oxford Hills. A feasibility analysis will map financial implications, operational options, and likely timelines before any negotiated withdrawal or town vote.
A board member said the town’s lawyer, Dan Stockford, advised that the statute’s wording requires “one member from the general public and one member from the group filing the petition,” but does not explicitly tie committee membership to petition signatories. The board agreed to ask counsel for a short written clarification for the committee packet.
Board members noted major fiscal questions remain: a receiving district that agreed to operate Harrison Elementary might require the town to sell or maintain the school building, potentially costing the town millions. The board agreed the first committee deliverable should be a clear, resident-facing report laying out options and costs so voters can decide whether to proceed to negotiations.
The Select Board expects to appoint committee members at its July meeting and asked staff to assemble the steps, statutory references, and a public-facing timeline to include on the town website.
