It appeared there was not much support for Governor John Baldacci's school redistricting proposal at the Edgecomb Eddy School last week from over 100 people who attended.

Several towns were invited to the informational meeting, and most of those towns were represented. The towns invited were Alna, Bristol, Damariscotta, Edgecomb, Newcastle, Nobleboro, South Bristol, Southport, Wiscasset and Westport Island.

Geoff Herman, Director of the State and Federal Regulations from the Maine Municipal Association reviewed the governor's proposal on school district consolidation and the impact it would have in the communities. Herman also reviewed four other proposals that are being considered during the legislative session.

Union 49 School Superintendent Eileen King asked the voters "Not to lower property taxes on the backs of our children." Union 49 covers Southport, Boothbay, Boothbay Harbor, and Edgecomb with a total of about 800 students in K-12 grades.

Wiscasset School Superintendent Jay McIntire questioned the Governor's plan for implementation, indicating the bill doesn't include how the districts will be chartered,

There are about 787 students in the Wiscasset school system, which include students from Westport Island and Alna.

Several school committee members spoke from the different towns, as well as parents and residents.

Governor Baldacci's proposal would create 26 school districts from the existing 296; it would also decrease the number of school superintendents from 152 to 26.

According to Herman, the governor's proposal would abolish local school boards; it would eliminate about 900 support staff, and about 640 teachers. One resident asked how the elimination of school boards will save money when they are all volunteers.

The governor estimates his proposal will save $250 million over three years. He is proposing each school have its own principal. However, according to Herman, it isn't clear if the town will pay for the position, or if the state will fund it.

Senator Dana Dow and Rep. Jonathan McKane were asked by residents for their thoughts.

McKane said the governor's proposal would fail if it were presented as it stands. According to McKane and Dow, there will be changes in the governor's plan coming down soon.

Dow said the only plan he has looked at is the governor's proposal, and there are some things in the plan he doesn't like. "It's like we have been in a car accident, and are still in shock," he said, referring to the proposed school redistricting.

David Kolodin, Bristol School committee member said, "The Governor's proposal doesn't fly in Bristol."

Selectman George Richardson, from Westport Island, spoke of the effect on small island towns. The plan would cause families to move ashore, and leave their island homes, he said.

"The island life is fragile; we can't allow that to happen," Dow said. "The islands need to survive, and keep young families on them."

Others pointed out the governor's plan doesn't explain how the 26 districts would be chartered, or how the quality of education will be improved by the measures he is suggesting.

Herman said he was not there to promote or oppose any of the bills that have been presented.

However, the Maine Municipal Association does support a bill being sponsored by Senator Beth Edmonds, and promoted by The Maine State Chamber of Commerce, the Maine Education Association, the Maine Hospital Association and the Maine Service Centers coalition

This bill, developed in October, would hold the Legislature to a spending limit and set long-term goals for reducing the costs of government by regionalizing school districts. It proposes to create 26 school districts, and look for savings by combining financial management systems for services. The proposal does not change the governance structure of the existing 296 school districts.

"The plan is to consolidate services, not the consolidation of a local governing unit," Herman said. This plan is estimated to save $20 to $25 million per year.

Other bills include: the Maine Children's Alliance plan, sponsored by Senator Elizabeth Mitchell which is very close to the plan being sponsored by Senator Beth Edmonds. It would create funding for 26 districts that would save money through the purchasing of books and sharing of administrative functions. The cost savings to this plan has not been determined.

Senator Karl Turner's plan is a lot like the governor's plan. It would create 75 school districts, of about 2,000 to 2,200 students each, the average size of the state's highest-performing school districts. Local school boards would become advisory, and be replaced by regional school boards as proposed in the governor's plan. Savings for this plan is estimated to be $25 million per year.

The State Board of Education's plan, sponsored by Senator Peggy Rotundo, would establish 65 school districts, of about 3,000 to 4,000 students. The districts would be mandatory, governed by a district wide school board. Savings for this plan are estimated to be about $82 million over a five-year period.

According to Herman, the Legislature will review all the proposals presented and perhaps emerge with another plan.