RSU 18 board approves use of James H. Bean School as Sydney polling place; students to attend field day

The RSU 18 School Board voted to approve a plan allowing the town of Sydney to use James H. Bean School as a polling site for the June 9 election and to provide an off‑site field day for the school's students that day.

Superintendent described the plan: the district will transport students from Dean School to Camp Tracy for supervised outdoor activities and provide lunch through the food service program. He noted the state must approve polling‑site layouts and ADA access and that some logistical issues — parking and entrance flow — remain to be finalized. "We'll make sure that things are checked and taken care of," the superintendent said, noting custodial staff will be present and classrooms locked during the election.

Board members discussed whether the town should cover any costs associated with using the building and whether alternative sites should be pursued in the future. A motion to approve the plan was made, seconded and carried; one board member indicated possible opposition or abstention related to a separate inter‑town cost‑sharing dispute but the motion nevertheless passed.

The board asked staff to continue planning for security sweeps and custodial coverage during the event and to continue conversations with the town about possible cost‑sharing in future arrangements.