DIXFIELD — The RSU 10 board reviewed a counterproposal by the Dixfield Withdrawal Committee on Monday night that primarily clarifies terms in the district’s proposed agreement.

School board member Bruce Ross, a member of the withdrawal committee, will take the board comments to the committee meeting at 6 p.m. Thursday, March 28.

Superintendent Tom Ward said the board will likely act on a final agreement at an April board meeting.

“We need some direction,” he said.

If RSU 10 and the committee come to an agreement, voters in Dixfield will decide whether to stop the withdrawal process at a town meeting or a special referendum. It residents approve ending the withdrawal effort, the committee would disband.

Among the changes proposed by the committee’s lawyer, Dan Stockford of the Lewiston law firm of Brann and Isaacson, are the following:

* A 25 percent drop, or more, in student enrollment at any of the district’s schools, rather than a drop to a specific number, as written in the district’s proposed agreement for considering closure of a school;

* A 25 percent drop, or more, in General Purpose Aid to Education to the district, rather than a “substantial” drop in state aid, as proposed by the district, for considering closure of a school;

* A 25 percent drop, or more, in total student enrollment in RSU 10 for reorganization of the district, rather than a clause that states reorganization, only. RSU 10 has a student population of about 2,800.

Ward said much of the withdrawal committee’s concerns may be addressed when the district finishes its 10-year facilities plan.

A special Facilities Committee workshop is scheduled for 6 p.m.  April 2 at Mountain Valley High School in Rumford.

Ward also emphasized that whatever agreement is accepted by the Dixfield Withdrawal Committee and RSU 10 must apply to all towns in the district. They include Canton, Carthage, Peru, Buckfield, Hartford, Sumner, Byron, Mexico, Roxbury, Rumford and Hanover.

In other matters at Monday’s board meeting:

* New board member Frank DiConzo of Rumford was appointed to the Superintendent’s Interview Committee. That committee is made up of six board members, two principals, three administrators, and two teachers.

* Three buses were approved for transportation of all district fifth-graders on April 13 to the Shrine Circus. This annual event is a joint venture of the district and the Oxford County Shrine Club.