Many residents of Arundel are apparently not reconciled to the school partnership with Kennebunk and Kennebunkport. A signature drive at the polls last week turned up more than 400 voters willing to consider a move to secede from Regional School Unit 21.
Maine’s consolidation law imposed a burden on many towns, and goodwill toward RSU 21 quickly became strained when a dispute arose over the contract with Thornton Academy Middle School for the education of Arundel students.
But Arundel’s interests are clearly important to RSU 21. In the development of a proposed facilities plan, the school board came up with an approach that appears fair to all three towns. Unfortunately, the overall price tag of $50 million nevertheless looms as a difficult challenge for the relationship. One advocate of secession told selectmen that it is essential to act quickly, before approval of the proposed $35 million upgrade of Kennebunk High school.
Although skeptical about the need for the town to withdraw from RSU 21, selectmen have agreed to look into the idea. One board member, a parent, pointed to new academic programs that became available in Arundel with the formation of the RSU. He argued that Arundel students would have full use of the upgraded schools, while the town will pay only a fraction of the cost.
Besides Kennebunk High School’s renovation, the long-range plans call for $6.5 million in renovations at Mildred L. Day School in Arundel, as well as $6.9 million in renovations at Consolidated School in Kennebunkport. This even-handedness, which would lead to the eventual closing of Sea Road School in Kennebunk, is a good starting point for discussions about the district’s future.
Achieving independence from RSU 21 would not exempt Arundel from Maine’s school district consolidation law. The town would eventually face penalties if it did not combine with another district, as well as the uncomfortable prospect of tailoring its education plans to meet state specifications.
The educational aspirations of the district and its deep property tax base are important assets. And as one of three members of the partnership, Arundel has the clout to influence decisions and help direct the evolution of RSU 21. The town is much more in control of its children’s destiny today than it would be if it were simply sending them off as tuition students.
— Questions? Comments? Contact Managing Editor Nick Cowenhoven at nickc@journaltribune.com.
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