RSU 10 withdrawal process in Dixfield ok'd

DIXFIELD -- Voters on Nov. 6 approved the town beginning the RSU 10 withdrawal process.
Resident Jon Holmes spearheaded the petition process to get the question on the ballot. By 695-543, voters approved to begin withdrawal and authorizing selectmen to issue notes or otherwise pledge credit for up to $50,000 to pay for legal and other expertise.
If the town follows the procedure of other towns considering withdrawal from their respective school districts, RSU 10 board Chairman Jerry Wiley would call a meeting of the withdrawal committee, which would elect a chairman and research plans and costs for educating Dixfield students.
A public hearing would be called, and another vote taken after all information is gathered and negotiations with RSU 10 completed.
That could take several months.
Many of those who chose to look into the withdrawal process said they believe the cost of educating Dixfield students could be lower than through RSU 10. Some Dixfield residents were also concerned that Dirigo and Mountain Valley high schools may merge.
RSU 10 Supt. Tom Ward said that a combined district high school was not likely, if at all, for at least a dozen years. He said the school board is looking into ways to reduce costs by reorganizing but all three high schools in Dixfield, Rumford and Buckfield will remain. He said several million dollars have been saved by merging SADs 43, 21 and 39 into RSU 10.