DIXFIELD – Monday’s SAD 21 board meeting has added significance.

That’s when directors are slated to meet with Peru School Committee members to finalize and sign a merger agreement contract that’s been in the works for a year and a half.

The meeting begins at 6 p.m. at T.W. Kelly Dirigo Middle School.

After the agreement is signed, Peru School Superintendent John Turner will take the document to Augusta on Wednesday, Dec. 3, to have Maine Department of Education Commissioner Susan A. Gendron sign it as well.

That act would allow Peru to convene a public informational meeting on the merger at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 13, at the Peru School.

A public hearing, which Gendron will attend, follows that at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 26, at the school. Snow dates are Jan. 14 and 28.

If Peru voters approve the merger on Feb. 2, then SAD 21 would conduct two informational meetings with the district’s voters of Canton, Carthage and Dixfield. Gendron would also attend one of those meetings to answer any questions.

The SAD 21 referendum vote is expected to occur in March. With a yes vote, Gendron would certify the merger, which won’t happen until the 2004-05 school year. However, both SAD 21 and Peru School would operate separately that year and become one for the 2005-06 year.

tkarkos@sunjournal.com

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