I have been an interested observer and a sometimes participant in the RSU withdrawal process and the schools for some time. Like many, I have grown frustrated with the withdrawal process, but recognize that this is the nature of it. Recently though, my feelings of frustration are being replaced by a rising sense of alarm. I am alarmed at the possibility that we may not be voting on this question (and thereby resolving it one way or the other) in November.

This panic really gripped me the other night as I observed the Freeport Town Council and Withdrawal Committee workshop. With the rare opportunity of having everyone in the same room (including the town attorney), the meeting seemed to lack urgency and there were a number of references to what happens “if we don’t vote in November.”

This prospect of missing the November vote should alarm members of all three communities because of the potential implications. Important decisions in our schools are being put on hold while we wait for a resolution to the withdrawal question, including pursuing bonding and financing at favorable terms.

Our current interim co-superintendent leadership plan, while unique, cannot be anyone’s ideal (“I thought the other guy was going to do it!”). In all three communities, insiders are considering moving out and outsiders are not considering moving in because of the uncertainty over our schools. And it’s probably pretty crummy for the kids and staff in the actual schools as well.

So this is a plea to both sides of the negotiation to move closer to the middle and to bring some urgency to this process because the clock is ticking and the timeline has significantly shortened. It’s in everyone’s best interest to resolve this in November.

I hope others in all the communities feel the same and let the negotiating teams know.

For what it’s worth, here are my two cents for the sides to consider as they seek agreement.

To the members of the Freeport Withdrawal Committee: Give more (money) and take more (students). Freeport is the initiating party here, it is not unreasonable that we bear more of the cost of the “divorce” whether that is in tuition rates, clawback adjustments, more kids than we think is the perfect number or whatever. Enough with the ideal size of the high school analysis and ideal square-footage-to-student ratios. These are not realistic negotiation points in this setting. We do not have ideal ratios now and we should not expect to have them upon withdrawal. The task before us is not to put together a utopian high school, (that’s for a future Freeport school board to do). It is to vote on a Withdrawal Agreement in November. Put together a bare bones plan and let the voters decide whether the deal is better than what the RSU offers now. And yes, it may cost Freeport more and that may result in a “no” vote for some. That’s the way it goes when you are the ones instigating the change.

To the members of the Working Group and the RSU 5 board: Start seeing it as in your communities’ best interest to finish the agreement and for Freeport to vote in November. Consider the bird in hand: grandfathering of current students far beyond the statutory requirement, a return to school choice, relief from the tax implications of a major building project, middle school guarantees for all Pownal students, below-actual-cost tuition for continued access to what many consider a very desirable high school and more. But if these alone do not convince you it is in your best interest, consider what may happen if the November voting opportunity is missed and it is perceived to be due to your obstruction of the statutory process (a perception that is growing). If we have to go through this for another year, other options for leaving the union may become more appealing than they are now. The existing withdrawal process is not the only way to seek separation from the RSU, legislative and legal action are options as well. If pursued, these may leave you with far less than the deal currently on the table.

The current statutory process, while imperfect at best, is still the easy way. Plus there is no guarantee how the November vote will go. If your ideal is to keep the RSU intact, voting in November may likely be the best chance for that outcome. If we have to wait to vote for another year, or if we have to wait on a law court or legislative determination there’s no telling where this will end up.

I don’t mean to be overly dramatic, unfairly critical or to oversimplify a complex negotiation. I recognize the excellent work being done by the volunteer members of these committees: They have provided exemplary services to our communities and have moved this very difficult process forward. Kudos to them all. But I’m getting nervous now. The hour is late and it is time to bring some other voices and some urgency into the discussion. There is no more important issue facing our towns than this one and it is time for all our leaders to lean into it. That’s what I am feeling and I hope others are, too. If so, please tell the negotiating members, RSU board members, town councilors and selectmen how you feel. Urge them to reach an agreement and let us vote in November. I cannot imagine anyone wants another year of this.

Alan Tracy

Freeport

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