Richmond selectmen begin RSU 2 withdrawal talks

RICHMOND — Selectmen are scheduled to meet at 6 p.m. today at the town office on Gardiner Street.

Under administrative items, the board is scheduled to discuss review of the withdrawal process concerning members of public school systems. The town on June 14 posed a non-binding questions to Richmond voters to determine if they favor authorizing the Board of Selectmen to explore the town’s withdrawal from Regional School Unit 2, as well as raising and appropriating up to $30,000 for the related legal, professional and other expenses. Richmond voters resoundingly said yes by a 180-34 count.

Richmond shares RSU 2 with Dresden, Monmouth, Hallowell and Farmingdale. Earlier this month, Monmouth voters in a nonbinding referendum also endorsed studying withdrawal from RSU 2.

An amendment to the state law that spurred school district consolidation prevents towns from withdrawing from a regional school district until 30 months after formation of the district. In the case of RSU 2, the earliest date that could occur would be Jan. 1, 2012.

The withdrawal process involves a petition to the district and Maine Department of Education. It also requires a two-thirds majority vote in a referendum in the affected town.

In other business scheduled for this evening, selectmen are slated to receive updates on Richmond Days and the transfer station; hear a request from Timothy Seigars to use Lane Field; and consider scheduling a workshop date to discuss goals and objectives.