AUBURN – The public is invited to a forum Thursday night on plans to cut school administration.

An overview on each plan will be given by legislators, followed by questions, answers and comments from the audience.

The plans include Gov. John Baldacci’s budget proposal to consolidate school districts from 152 to 26, creating regional central offices and oversight boards across Maine. Baldacci has said the plan would save $250 million over two years. The savings would be used to cut taxes.

Other proposals are from the Maine Board of Education, the Maine Childrens’ Alliance, the Maine Municipal Association and the Maine Education Association, plus proposals from several legislators. All of the plans call for cutting back on what Maine spends on school administration. According to experts, Maine spends twice the national average on school administration.

Sen. Lois Snowe-Mello, R-Poland, Reps. Mark Paul Samson, D-Auburn, Deborah Simpson, D-Auburn, and Michael Beaulieu, R-Auburn, will listen to public comments. Then they’ll use what they hear to help inform debate at the State House as legislators consider the proposals.

The forum will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday at the Auburn Middle School.