POLAND – Nomination papers for candidates for the newly formed Regional School Unit 16 are available. Minot, Mechanic Falls and Poland residents interested in being on the new school board may pick up nomination papers at their respective town offices or at the School Union 29 Central Office in Poland.

Papers must be returned to the School Union Office by 4 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18.

Candidates need at least 25 valid signatures from registered voters. Those elected will serve one to three years. These staggered terms will be determined after the candidates are elected.

Election of committee members will take place Jan. 27, 2009, from 4 to 8 p.m. in the respective towns. Absentee ballots will be available any time after Dec 29.

The newly formed school system will be governed by five school committee members from each of the three towns. Between the time of election and July 1, 2009, when they actually take office, they will be considered the “transitional committee” and will be responsible for preparing to function as a new single-entity school unit.