The two-year-long processes in Windsor and Palermo to withdraw from Sheepscot Valley Regional School Unit 12 have come to an end with voters in both towns deciding decisively to remain a part of the district.
The question on the Palermo and Windsor ballots asked, “Do you favor the withdrawal of the town of [Windsor/Palermo] from Regional School Unit No. 12 subject to the terms and conditions of the Withdrawal Agreement?”
Windsor voted 445 yes to 682 no; Palermo voted 214 yes to 495 no.
“I don’t have much of a reaction,” said Ray Bates, a member of Windsor’s withdrawal committee and one of the town’s selectmen. “The voters have spoken and we’ll go forward from here. That’s why we put it forward to the voters, so they could speak their mind.”
The process of withdrawal involves over 20 steps, including a petition signed by 10 percent of voters active in the previous gubernatorial election, a special election by municipal officers, public hearings, the formation of a withdrawal committee to draft a withdrawal agreement, approval of the agreement by the commissioner of education, and, finally, a public vote on withdrawal.
“I’m glad the town had a chance to make a decision on whether or not to proceed with the withdrawal,” Holly Harmon, a Palermo selectman and former chair of the Palermo Withdrawal Committee, said. “I think going through this process was really beneficial and I hope that RSU 12 makes good on their promise to give Palermo the attention that it deserves.”
RSU 12 Superintendent Howard Tuttle said he was pleased with the result of the votes.
“It’s great,” Tuttle said. “I think it’s the best option for students and taxpayers. We can provide a quality education more efficiently. The board was really hoping that the seven-member unit would remain so that we can provide a great education for RSU 12 students.”