LIVERMORE FALLS – SAD 36 Superintendent Terry Despres is reaching out to the Jay school system on the issue of regionalization.

Despres told his board of directors Wednesday night that he hopes to develop a proactive position for the area regarding the state’s stance on regional delivery of services.

“I have seen the determination that the regionalization for delivery of services has generated with this Legislature,” he wrote to Jay officials, speaking of his work with the Maine School Management Association and the Legislature’s Taxation Committee.

“In light of these facts, I would propose that the Jay School District and MSAD 36 move to jointly review potential outcomes and develop a proactive position for this region. I am convinced that taking the lead as a region will benefit the districts that join such an effort.”

“I believe that some regional zones will be asked to pilot for the state models locally developed for consideration. I would hope that our districts could develop a regional plan for local taxpayer savings,” he suggested.

Despres said the state is developing plans to increase state support for regional plans. “It is my belief that districts that move to the table with potential plans will realize the greatest savings and additional state funding,” he said.

Despres suggested a joint meeting of the two boards to review interest in developing a regional plan noting that, “with appropriate plans, districts may maintain separate identities and policies yet become more efficient.”

In other business, Despres announced that the district’s double-wides have been sold for $70,000, with two going to Jefferson and the other to SADs 23 and 38 in Carmel and surrounding towns.

He predicted the Cedar Street complex, formerly the Intermediate Learning Center, should be close to completion by late July. New windows and doors are being installed.

Sixth-graders will enter that building this fall and plans are in the works for a pre-kindergarten for 20 to 30 children to be held there also.

An open house will be held at the building in August, and a recognition night is also being planned prior to the beginning of the school year.

Another of Depres’ suggestions for cost savings in the district, single-run bus transportation (all grades picked up at once) has been put on hold, he said, as it will need a lot of public relations.