FARMINGTON — Regional School Unit 9 directors will keep the structure of the 16-member board as is with a chairman and vice chairman.

The discussion of co-chairmen came up because of the difficulty of getting someone to be chairman because of concerns about the time commitment, Superintendent Tom Ward said.

Chairman Mark Prentiss of Industry did not seek re-election this year.

He announced to the board Tuesday night that Industry officials have given him up to a six-month extension to serve on the board to see the budget passed.

The district is drafting a new budget because voters rejected a proposed $32.25 million spending plan June 9.

Prentiss said that does not mean he will seek the chairman’s position for that time.

Ward said he contacted the district’s attorney at Drummond Woodsum and, legally, the board could have co-chairmen but advised there have been other boards that have done this and it hasn’t worked out.

The recommendation is to have a chairman and a vice chairman, he said.

Director Jennifer Pooler of New Sharon said she checked with other superintendents who have co-chairmen. According to them, it makes a lot more work because a superintendent has to talk to two people to set an agenda, she said. One superintendent said it was not a preferred model and not highly effective, she said.

The district’s model has worked well, Prentiss said.

This year is unique because the board is in negotiations with all employees. He has been involved because he wants to be informed, he said. He also attends other meetings on a voluntary basis and is not required to attend them, he said.

The board will consider electing a chairman and vice chairman at the first meeting in July.

dperry@sunmediagroup.net

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