STRONG — Although some taxpayers in SAD 58 are afraid of losing their homes because of rising school costs, others are determined to fight to keep schools open.

The school board listened Thursday night as the large audience of parents, teachers, school staff, students and taxpayers shared their frustrations.

“What about all these elderly people on fixed incomes of only $700 or $800 a month?” Janice LaVoie, 75, asked the directors. “Taxes went up $200 this year and maybe $200 again next year. Does it make any difference to you?”

She suggested those on Social Security fear they will lose their homes, because the tax burden has become more than they can afford.

“You’re a doctor,” she said to Director Ann Schwink of Strong. “You make good money, a lot more than we do. Am I going to have to lose my home so you can keep the taxes up?”

Phillips resident Ray Gaudette said taxpayers can not support the district’s request for more money.

“I am paying more per month today in taxes than I used to pay in mortgage payments,” he said. “Taxes have increased dramatically in the past two years, and the way I see it, the school board has to make some decisions to become more efficient and keep the budget down enough that we don’t raise taxes and make people lose their homes.”

Perry Ellsworth of Strong said the emotional turmoil was similar to when SAD 58 formed in 1967. Each town had its own high school, and the decision to build Mt. Abram High School in Salem Township was a bitterly divisive issue. He urged the board members to focus on serving the district and not on taking sides because town residents deserve consistency and unity from all board members.

“You’re supposed to be working together for the good of the community … there shouldn’t be any coffee shop or town meeting talk. You’re on the board for the good of the district. Just because your town is not getting what it needs, some other town may,” he said. “Our manufacturing bases are gone, and we’re here because of the economy. Doing nothing is going to create a bigger issue than doing something.”

The possibility of closing the 40-year-old Mt. Abram High School was another controversial option.

“If we tuition our kids out (to other high schools), we will hear a big sucking noise from the south, and this will be a great big ghost town,” Avon resident Darren Allen said. “We might as well put a sign up at the Strong bridge saying, ‘Welcome to the North Franklin retirement community.'”

Another resident quickly disagreed.

“I personally don’t have a problem with my kids going to Mt. Blue High School,” said teacher Steve Mitman of Strong.

Board representatives have been meeting with the SAD 74 directors from Anson, Embden, New Portland and Solon to review an agreement to share services.

Committee member Sue Fotter of Stratton told the audience that consolidation with SAD 74 would be a positive step. Mike Pond, Kim Jordan and Alan Morse suggested a cautious exploration of all options first, including an alternative, interlocal agreement to share costs but not merge as a state-sanctioned unit.

“It’s a potential no-brainer, but I want to see the figures,” Phillips Director Alan Morse said.