RSU 18 board deadlocks over Sydney's request to use James H. Dean School for Nov. 3 voting

The RSU 18 board held an extended debate on a request from the town of Sydney to use James H. Dean School as a polling location for Nov. 3, 2026. Board members raised concerns about student safety, meal service and the logistics of hosting a high-turnout election during the school day.

Chair opened discussion and read aloud language from an email sent by Superintendent Andy, noting that "accommodating voting within the James H. Dean School requires that students not be in attendance for the day" because of student safety, traffic management and meal-service constraints. The chair said the superintendent "would not recommend repeating that model" used earlier in June and recommended treating each election as a standalone decision.

Principal Carrie Brennan, who attended the meeting to offer the school perspective, said the request would disrupt learning and support services. "As principal of the school, it is my job to advocate to have our students in the building every day that we are scheduled to be in the building," she said, adding that a single lost day affects instruction, meals and routines.

Board members discussed alternatives: moving a workshop day to Nov. 3 so students would not be expected in class, reopening the search for a certified alternate site, erecting a secured exterior tent for voting, or working with the secretary of state to certify another location. Several members pressed Sydney leaders to demonstrate they had explored alternatives and to send a town representative to answer questions directly.

A motion to deny Sydney's request was moved and seconded; after a weighted vote count the motion failed on a 4'4 split. The tally recorded board members Andy, John, Sarah, Mac and Chelsea in favor of denial and others opposed; because voting is weighted the motion did not carry. The board did not approve the request.

Following the tie, several members said the board would likely deny future similar requests if Sydney did not present substantial reasons and workable alternatives at the board's next meeting. There was no final approval recorded at the session; board members asked the superintendent to meet with Sydney officials and requested a town representative attend the next meeting to make a formal case and show efforts to identify other certified polling locations.

The board left open the option of reconsidering the request after Sydney provides more information; members emphasized they want to avoid creating a recurring expectation that the district will routinely take students out of school to host municipal elections.

Next steps: the superintendent will follow up with Sydney officials and the board expects a representative to appear at the next meeting if Sydney wants reconsideration.