Wiscasset Begins Talks of Partnership with AOS 98

Interim Wiscasset School Superintendent Wayne Dorr told the Wiscasset School Board April 3 conversations have begun regarding a possible partnership with Alternative Organizational Structure 98.

AOS 98, the Rocky Channels School System includes the towns with Boothbay, Boothbay Harbor, Southport, Edgecomb, and Georgetown.

Dorr said he has met with AOS 98 Superintendent Eileen King on two occasions, describing both meetings as “cordial.”

One discussion was centered around Wiscasset joining AOS 98. “We were well received,” Dorr said. “We had an open discussion.”

Dorr said King will have further discussions with the individual school boards in AOS 98 and will report back on potential interest. There are still many questions, including cost factors and legal issues, Dorr said.

“It’s not something you do in a few weeks,” said Dorr.

Dorr, King and the business manager of AOS 98 had a very positive discussion on April 3 about the possibility the AOS providing the Wiscasset School Department’s business operations, even if Wiscasset doesn’t join the system, Dorr said.

Wiscasset School Board Chairman Glen Craig said he would not support joining another school system because Wiscasset voted to be independent. Wiscasset formally withdrew from Regional School Unit 12 in November 2013.

“The cost difference is not the most important factor,” Craig said.

Craig said the process of the AOS 98 discussions were progressing very quickly. He suggested Wiscasset residents and the full board should be making the decision whether or not to join the AOS.

“I would like to caution you, Glen, on using the term ‘full speed ahead’,” Dorr told Craig.

Dorr told the board, the process is lengthy, requiring approval by all the towns in the AOS as well as Wiscasset. He said the process began with the board’s approval to look into the possibility and board approval would be needed to accept any agreement.

Board member Sharon Nichols supported the idea of continuing talks with AOS 98. An AOS system allows local school boards to operate independently, sharing the cost of a superintendent and central office staff, which would be a significant cost savings to the taxpayer, she said.

Craig criticized Nichols for expressing support of the AOS 98 partnership, after she had previously voiced opposition to sharing business office expenses with RSU 12.

“We can’t have it both ways. You can’t have your cake and eat it too,” Craig told Nichols.

Nichols, reacting to Craig’s comments, told Craig the AOS 98 partnership would be a new relationship, in which Wiscasset would keep local control of the schools. Nichols recently said her reason for opposing any partnership with RSU 12 is what the public perception would be to paying RSU 12 any more money on top of the significant withdrawal costs.

Craig asked Dorr and fellow school board member Steve Smith why no progress has been made in hiring the permanent superintendent. Smith said the ad is ready to go, however, he suggested waiting to see where the talks were going with AOS 98.

With July 1 just a few months away Craig said he was concerned if the AOS 98 talks fall through, there won’t be enough time to hire a permanent superintendent.

“I feel the ticking of the clock more than anyone in town,” Dorr told Craig. “There are so many things that need to be done.”

In a phone interview April 7, Smith said Wiscasset has had several superintendents over the last few years and the hiring committee wants to be very sure of the direction the school system is going before hiring a permanent superintendent.

Smith said it is possible the board will decide to hire another interim superintendent before hiring a permanent until clear what direction Wiscasset is headed.

He said it is also possible the board might consider extending Dorr’s contract if he would be interested. “He’s done an amazing job,” Smith said.