On Nov. 4, citizens of Mechanic Falls, Minot and Poland will vote on the question of school consolidation. A committee of 23 representatives from all backgrounds and viewpoints in all three towns developed this plan.

The Legislature insists the towns consolidate, and the plan before the voters is the best thinking on how to do that. Much will remain the same, and some things will change. There will be a single school board with 15 members, and it will work just as the current Union 29 school board works. Debt will be shared, but so will costs.

Most important, it is hoped and expected to realize savings through better efficiencies in administration and the business side of running the school district – without cutting programs for the children, and, perhaps, even expanding their opportunities.

I urge the public to join me in voting “yes” for consolidation and for the shared future.

Colleen Quint, Minot