SAD 58 Opts In

In an article in the Bangor Daily News of last Tuesday, October 16 ("State excuses SAD 22 from consolidation '' No link available -- sorry!) was this intriguing statement:

SAD 58, in Phillips, passed up the [consolidation] exemption and decided to consolidate...

The article, though primarily about SAD 22 (Hampden), also discussed the other districts in the state which qualify for an exemption from the consolidation mandate. Districts are exempt if they are "higher performing"* and also spent less than 4 percent on system administration in 2005-2006. Those who are exempt, besides SADs 22 and 58, are Cape Elizabeth, Yarmouth, and possibly Brunswick.

The Department of Education has touted system administration consolidation as not only saving money but also as leading to improved education and increased opportunities for students. We have to wonder if the folks in Phillips subscribe to all those positives and thus willingly consolidate, or if there are special reasons presently unknown to someone not in that district.

SAD 58 is in discussions with SAD 9 (Farmington) and Coplin Plantation.

An article in The Original Irregular begins to shed some light on the mystery.

First, there's an issue of long-term viability. The district's law firm (Drummond Woodson) advises thus:

“The rules may well change or tighten the criteria for efficient, high-performing districts, so that units that qualify now may or may not qualify under the new rules… My sense is that if you put all your eggs in the efficient, high-performing basket now by filing a notice of intent indicating that you are going to pursue that course only, you take some risk that you will later lose the exemption and that you will have lost the opportunity to participate in the ‘mating dance’ among school units,” Smith stated.

As well, though likely exempt, SAD 58 would still have to comply with mandated cost reductions:

Clark has received information from the state that clearly shows what the financial impact would be should MSAD #58 decide to not consolidate. Through Essential Programs and Services formulas and state revenue sharing the penalty would be approximately $140,000. This amount does not include another $147,000 in reduced subsidy through EPS for an assumption in savings in reduced administrative costs.

As reported in The Original Irregular, it's unclear whether these cited figures are solely cost reductions or if, uncertain of SAD 58's exemption, they include the "penalties" for not consolidating.

* These are identified in a May 2007 report from the Maine Education Policy Research Institute, "The Identification of Higher and Lower Performing Maine Schools"