Consolidation Shell Game

This is an excerpt from an article entitled "SAD 41 board mulls options for consolidation" in the most recent Piscataquis Observer (September 12, 2007).

Its interest, in our judgment, is in the insight it gives into the thinking, the considerations, and (with all due respect) the maneuvering that is going on at the local level, indeed in just about every locality, around the consolidation debacle.

Of some local interest, as well, is what this article might reveal about the position of two districts who are both possible partners for SAD 46.

Is it possible that SAD 64's financial position vis-a-vis SAD 46 is similar to its financial position relative to SAD 41? If so, then SAD 64 may be out as a possible partner.

And maybe SAD 41's calculation of a path to exemption from the consolidation law is so often replicated elsewhere, and so transparent to State bureaucrats, that it's ineffective, and ultimately a losing strategy.