RUMFORD – The SAD 43 board on Monday agreed to take a vote on the possible restructuring of the district’s three elementary schools at the Jan. 18 meeting.

This could mean that the students who attend Virginia Elementary School may be transferred to either Meroby or Rumford elementary school next year.

But first, the board plans to discuss the potential change further at the Jan. 3 meeting. Residents and parents will have chances to raise concerns or to support the possible restructuring at the Dec. 20 and Jan. 3 board meetings, Superintendent Jim Hodgkin said.

Many of the board members plan to visit Rumford and Meroby elementary schools before the binding vote, to research how space would be used with the addition of about 110 students in kindergarten through grade five who now attend Virginia.

Byron board member Anne Simmons-Edmunds said she was ready to vote Monday.

“I think we’re beating a dead horse. I’m ready to vote. It’s time to vote,” she said.

Chris Dickson, a Rumford board member, wasn’t so sure.

“It seems like we’re in a hurry to get to where other schools are. We’re rushing it,” he said, voicing concerns about the possible loss of a small-school atmosphere and the potential for larger classes.

Superintendent Jim Hodgkin said class sizes would remain the same once some reconfiguring takes place at Rumford and Meroby elementary schools. He said, too, that Maine schools are smaller than most others throughout the country.

Tentatively planned if the board votes to end Virginia as an elementary school is its use as a site for the day treatment program and the high school alternative education plan. Suggestions have also been made that the alternative education program be expanded to include middle school students, and to expand the day treatment program to include high school aged students, as well as others from nearby districts.

The district student population has steadily declined during the past 15 years, resulting in more elementary classrooms available than are needed.

In other matters, the board unanimously approved a Project Graduation overnight trip for the Class of 2005 to Six Flags in Agawam, Mass. Adviser Chris Carver said the class’ 135 students have raised $24,000 during their high school years. He said about 90 percent of the class plans to go to the amusement park with 20 to 25 chaperons. They will leave after the June 11 graduation and return very late the next night.