ANDOVER — Susan Merrow was unanimously elected chairwoman of the school withdrawal committee at its first meeting Tuesday night.

Residents voted overwhelmingly last month to establish a committee to negotiate withdrawal from SAD 44 and to use $24,000 from surplus for consulting assistance.

At issue is the future of the Andover Elementary School, which has an enrollment of about 30 K-5 students. The SAD 44 Board of Directors voted 13-3 in April 2011 to close the school at the end of that school year because of declining enrollment, the aging schoolhouse and other issues.

Andover residents objected, saying they want to keep the students in town, prevent long bus rides to other schools, and maintain a sense of community that the school provides. Some also cited data that shows a school helps the town economically. 

They voted to raise $214,000 to keep it open in 2011-12. This school year, the town raised an additional $68,000, above its $400,000 assessment, to maintain the school.

Per state law, SAD 44 board Chairwoman Lainey Cross opened Tuesday’s meeting and took nominations for chairperson. Tina Farrington, secretary to the Andover selectmen and recording secretary for the Withdrawal Committee, said Merrow was unanimously elected.

Merrow, who is a selectman, has been active in the withdrawal movement.

Other members of the committee are citizen representative David Percival, SAD 44 board member Tim Akers, and original member of the Save Our School Committee Paula Lee.

Farrington said the Withdrawal Committee scheduled a meeting for 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 28, at the Andover Town Hall to discuss their responsibilities. She said a strategy will likely be determined, as well as plans for listening to experts on school district withdrawal and meeting with SAD 44 administration.

The meeting is open to the public.

The withdrawal process, which will require another vote by townspeople once negotiations have been completed, is expected to take about 18 months.

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