GRAY – The proposed consolidation of SAD 15 and Union 29 will be discussed at a public forum from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday at the Gray-New Gloucester Middle School cafeteria.

People will be updated on the plan that calls for merging 1,900 students in Gray and New Gloucester’s SAD 15 and 1,700 students from Union 29’s Poland, Minot and Mechanic Falls into one regional unit in order to save money.

People will be asked for input on the plan.

Questions from state officials are pending regarding unanswered issues such as collective bargaining, contracts, salaries and benefits. Debt service for past school construction projects is pending clarification.

Consolidation also must take into consideration technical and career programs for students who attend Portland Arts and Technology School and Union 29 students who attend a Lewiston program.

SAD 15 and Union 29 officials have been meeting since last fall on the merger plan brokered by the state, but remain reluctant partners with money a key issue for both districts.

Based on property valuations, it would cost Gray and New Gloucester roughly $1.2 million to partner with Union 29 while Union 29 towns would save $1.2 million, said Union 29 Superintendent Dennis Duquette last September in a story in the Sun Journal.

Failure to consolidate would cost Union 29 half its minimum state allocation, about $1.1 million for Minot.

A full reorganization plan must be turned in to the state by Feb. 1.