PERU – About 50 people attended Wednesday night’s public hearing on the proposed merger between Peru School and neighboring SAD 21.

But unlike the Jan. 28 informational meeting on the subject, Wednesday’s hearing was an open forum, a chance for the public to discuss pending merger aspects.

It was also an opportunity to discuss concerns about the state funding formula for education, rising town valuations and decreasing student populations with Maine Education Commissioner Susan A. Gendron.

Near the end of the 90-minute meeting, Peru School Committee member asked the crowd for three reasons why Peru should not merge with SAD 21.

The top three shouted responses were no guarantees, increased costs and the lack of choice.

Colpitts then asked for three reasons why Peru should merge with SAD 21. The top three responses were more opportunities, a bigger voice for its students, and the small school aspect.

More than a few people asked Gendron for her take on how an expected future Legislature vote on personal property tax relief would affect the merger should it occur.

Others asked what Peru’s other options would be should SAD 21 voters in the towns of Canton, Carthage and Dixfield reject the merger.

Colpitts answered, saying school officials could then open negotiations with SAD 43 or SAD 39.

Or the town could go it alone. But due to Peru’s rising valuation and declining pupil population, it would eventually be cheaper for Peru to tuition its students to another district rather than to try to educate them by itself.

The Peru School is a K-8 facility. It tuitions most of its secondary students to SAD 21’s Dirigo High School, while others attend SAD 43’s Mountain Valley High School in Rumford, or other secondary schools.

tkarkos@sunjournal.com

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