RUMFORD – SAD 43’s proposed reorganization plan includes neighboring SAD 21, but only if the state makes changes that balances out costs among the communities.

Superintendent Jim Hodgkin told the board at Tuesday’s SAD 43 meeting that although partnering with its closest neighbor in Dixfield makes the most sense educationally, the current impact as provided by the state would make it impossible for SAD 43 voters to support such a merger.

“This type of thing is going on around the state. We expect the Legislature to address the issue. The overall game plan is to go slow. We will not push for a Jan. 15 vote,” he said. “Unless something changes in cost-sharing, there’s no way we can seriously consider SAD 21.”

In addition to SAD 21, SAD 43’s letter of intent to the state Department of Education includes SAD 44 in Bethel and Union 37 in Rangeley. All districts in the state were required to submit a letter of intent by Aug. 31 outlining possible mergers.

The next step, he said, was for the four districts to hire a facilitator, with state money, to help draft a detailed plan for consolidation of administrative services. He expects that to happen within the next month. Once that person is hired, a regional planning committee will be chosen, and public meetings will be held. At least a partial detailed partnership plan must be submitted to the state by Dec. 1.

SAD 21’s board will take up the matter at its board meeting on Sept. 10.

According to state figures, partnerships with SAD 44 and SAD 37 would work out well for SAD 43, but with SAD 21 figured in, more than $700,000 in taxes would be added to the totals paid by SAD 43 towns because of SAD 21’s low property valuation.

In the letter of intent, Hodgkin wrote, “Our hope is that this issue will be addressed so that more logical consolidation can occur.”

“There’s a strong sense that people want to partner with SAD 21 and we expect something to change,” he said.

The superintendents from SADs 21, 43 and 44 have been working together for about four years to find ways to share costs and services, and have identified and put into place several of these ideas, such as sharing a social worker, special education director and nutrition director. The three have also discussed establishing a service center that would provide other shared programs, such as transportation.

“I fully support consolidation, of reducing superintendents and office personnel. That makes a lot of sense, but the legislation will not do that,” he said.

In other matters Tuesday, new Mountain Valley Middle School Principal Ryan Casey reported that just over 300 fifth- through eighth-graders began classes last week, down about 30 from the previous year.

Special Education Director Paula Leavitt said 311 children have been identified as requiring special services districtwide, about the same number as last year. She said SAD 43 special education teachers are working with SAD 21 teachers on reading training.