Last night, MSAD #75 Board of Directors voted not to submit the consolidation plan with Lisbon.  The decision was focused on the financial impact to their next year's budget.  Subsidy reductions, inclusion of the interim budget for the new RSU, and other financial issues would require a significant budget reduction (up to $2.5 million) that would still result in tax rate increases of 6-12% for their communities.  Understandably, this is not something they could support.  Lisbon representatives in the audience were given praise for our programs and our efforts to attempt to meet consolidation legal requirements.  I appreciate all of the time and effort people have put in to this very challenging process.

At this point, we've done our due diligence and we are in a good position to request a doughnut hole designation, due to the School Committee's vote to submit the plan to the Commissioner.  We'll submit our plan and request by the March 28th deadline.  Then, we'll need to watch the legislative process for any changes to the statute and wait for the Commissioner's response. 

For now, everything regarding Lisbon's consolidation work is on hold.