NEW GLOUCESTER – An arranged marriage bonding SAD 15 with Union 29 is in the early stages of courtship.

SAD 15 Superintendent Victoria Burns said by telephone on Friday that the district’s proposal to remain a single school district was turned down by state officials, who recommended a merger with Union 29.

Union 29’s efforts to join Auburn failed and locals favor joining Raymond instead.

Enter Maine’s Department of Education, which strongly suggested SAD 15 and Union 29 tie the knot.

SAD 15 includes the towns of Gray and New Gloucester with a student population of 1930.

A consolidation plan with Union 29 – Poland, Minot and Mechanic Falls – will cost SAD 15 taxpayers an additional $1.2 million if voters in the five towns vote to in favor of the plan.

“We met with Union 29 and the regional planning committee comprised of seven SAD 15 members.

“At first blush, it would cost us $1.2 million if we consolidated,” said Burns.

SAD 15’s budget of $19.7 million would take a loss of local entitlement money from the state if a merger is not completed by a January referendum deadline.

Last week the Sun Journal reported that Union 29’s problem with merging with SAD 15 is also money. It was reported by Union 29, which has 1,730 students, that it must submit a merger plan to state officials by December, with a January presentation to residents in the five towns for acceptance by referendum.

Burns said the two school department consolidation teams plan to meet in October.

“The SAD 15 school board is committed to do the best we can,” said Burns.

“We have to look at the partners and answer is it really money; people coming together who don’t know each other creates a problem in such a short time. This is a compelling educational issue, all focused on financial cost saving and fairness is the issue.

“We will be penalized for refusing. It’s clear to me the state doesn’t have the answer. No one anticipated this because of the school funding formula,” said Burns.

“I’ll take one day at a time and do the best I can. The voters will have the final say,” she added.

“How can they expect you to merge if it costs you money?”