AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — A decision by Gov. John Baldacci is expected by week’s end on a bill that would suspend financial penalties against communities that did not reorganize their school systems.

The bill would grant a one-year waiver to school districts deemed out of compliance. A consolidation mandate passed by the state in 2007 aims to reduce the number of school districts from 290 to 80.

Baldacci spearheaded the consolidation effort. More than two-thirds of both the House and Senate voted in favor of suspending penalties.

The Bangor Daily News reported that more than 120 school units have not complied.

State voters will be asked in November whether to repeal the consolidation law.