AUGUSTA (AP) – Maine lawmakers considered a new school system consolidation bill Thursday, 10 days after Gov. John Baldacci successfully vetoed another one.
Proposed revisions to the sweeping school consolidation law enacted last year would preserve local cost-sharing agreements and allow for creation of smaller-than-standard units in special circumstances.
The new measure would also allow the state education commissioner to approve alternative organizational structures not written into the original law.
Last year’s law was designed to consolidate Maine’s 290 school districts into about 80.
As discussions continued, lawmakers began racking up daily premium pay of $100 after extending this year’s legislative sessions beyond the original April 16 adjournment deadline.
House and Senate leaders hope to reach adjournment Friday.
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