LISBON — The Lisbon school committee voted Monday evening to continue with the New England Association of Schools and Colleges accreditation process.

Lisbon Schools Superintendent Richard Green said that until recently it seemed like debarking the NEASC process was a no-brainer — it frees up funds at the cost of a bogged down schedule, potential future costs and countless hoops for teachers and administrators to jump through.

While many districts throughout New England question the $40,000 price-tag every three years for accreditation, many on the verge of non-renewal are facing this one question: will a lack of accreditation cost students acceptance into their chosen school?

Member Len Lednum said that what once looked like a decision which would impact students minimally seems more vital considering what colleges and universities may be looking for in a graduate’s high school diploma.

“Our number one responsibility is that our students graduate with all the opportunities we can afford them,” Lednum said.

Newly elected member Chris Regullies said he felt he has not been on the board long enough or familiar with the NEASC process enough to make an informed decision, especially if Green and other board members are not confident about leaving the accreditation behind.

Green said a fair process would be to open a dialogue with the public, but the last time the committee held such a session, few came out to attend. It makes decision-making more difficult not knowing what the public expects of its school district, he said.

Before the committee voted unanimously to stick with the NEASC process, member Laura Craig suggested they do some research on which schools expect to see an accreditation before accepting a new student.

In other business, Green recapped the town council’s approval of a Nov. 5 referendum for a $6 million bond for renovations at Philip W. Sugg Middle School.

The project, which expands several areas like the gymnasium, library and kitchen, could cost as much as $11.6 million if the proposed 25-year, 6% interest bond is passed by voters. However, those figures represent the most expensive option, Green said.

“Yearly amount and interest rates are preliminary, not set in stone,” Green said. “People felt like (6%) was what we were going for for financing. Afterwards we look at finances to look at what we’re eligible for … Those are the types of things I’d like to address during (October) info nights.”

Green said he also hopes to answer many questions about the project and its costs at the middle school open house on Thursday. There will be diagrams and literature at the open house, as well as the opportunity to ask questions. The school website will have a Frequently Asked Questions section dealing with much of the information people will be looking for, Green said.

The committee voted unanimously to continue for the next year with Chair Margaret Galligan-Schmoll and Vice Chair Kim Labbe Poisson in their respective roles.