While it was the state Legislature that required school districts with less than 2,500 students to develop plans to consolidate, the three towns of School Union 29 received approval from the state Department of Education to develop a plan for Poland, Minot and Mechanic Falls schools to develop a plan with an estimated 1,700 students.

To that end, a committee of 23 citizens, with representation from all three thowns, was formed and had worked for the past four months to develop a consolidation plan consistent with the requirements set forth by the state.

The plan that has been developed by the committee has the full support of each of the individual town’s school committees, and has been approved by the Department of Education.

The plan calls for the merger of the three existing school districts into one Regional School Unit with one 15-member school board.

The plan anticipates saving in areas of administration, transportation and food services and, in addition, would provide opportunities to share program-related services and staff.

The plan put forth deserves the support from the citizens of all three towns.

Norman Beauparlant, Poland