Harrison Considers Leaving School District Amid Consolidation Plans and Misinformation
The Harrison Select Board recently revisited the town’s future within Maine School Administrative District 17 (SAD 17), sparking debate and raising concerns about misinformation regarding the district’s consolidation plans. Chairperson Matt Frank presented information at a December 12th meeting that has since been refuted by SAD 17 Superintendent Heather Manchester. Frank’s statements included inaccuracies about the number of school closures planned and the reasons behind Harrison Elementary School’s low rating in a recent inspection report.
Frank claimed that SAD 17 intended to close seven of its eight elementary schools, leaving only Hebron Elementary open, and consolidate all students into a new building in the Norway/South Paris area. However, Superintendent Manchester clarified that the district’s current plan, known as Option 4C, involves closing only three elementary schools – Harrison, Waterford, and Guy E. Rowe in Norway – and building a new centrally located school for the affected students. The remaining elementary schools in Paris, Oxford, Hebron, and Otisfield will remain operational.
The misinformation extended to the condition of Harrison Elementary School. Frank attributed the school’s D-plus rating to a lack of fire protection systems and claimed that needed repairs to the basketball court had been neglected. Manchester countered that the gym floor replacement project is part of the state’s Revolving Renovations loan program, which has been delayed due to a lack of bids. She also clarified that life safety systems like sprinkler installation require a separate capital investment project and district-wide referendum, not funding from the loan program.
Further inaccuracies included the assertion that West Paris and South Paris were suing SAD 17 over the closure of seven schools, while in reality, the legal action stems from the process followed in closing Agnes Gray Elementary School in West Paris last February. Frank also suggested that busing issues would worsen under the consolidation plan without mentioning the district’s intent to purchase additional buses to mitigate those concerns.
A central point of contention is Harrison’s higher local taxpayer share for education compared to other towns within the district. Frank pointed to Oxford, with its casino, hotels, and Walmart, as an example of a town contributing less. However, Oxford Town Manager Adam Garland defended Oxford’s fiscal responsibility, highlighting investments in public sewer infrastructure and economic development. Crucially, the local share calculation is determined by state formulas, and SAD 17 has no authority to adjust it. This assessment will impact Harrison regardless of whether it remains within SAD 17 or pursues other educational models.
The discussion also touched upon potential alternatives for Harrison students, including attending schools in neighboring districts. Frank indicated that other schools had expressed willingness to accept Harrison students, and that the cost might be lower than current expenditures, although not guaranteed. He compared Harrison’s current education spending to that of Cape Elizabeth, a town known for its high per-pupil spending.
A working group formed last spring to investigate options for Harrison’s educational future is being formalized into a committee. Currently comprised of Frank, Selectperson Debra Kane, Town Manager Cass Newell, and a few other residents, the committee aims to recruit additional members, especially parents of school-aged children. Harrison has historically struggled to maintain representation on the SAD 17 school board, with one seat currently vacant and a history of directors resigning before their terms expire. This lack of consistent representation further complicates the town’s relationship with the school district as it grapples with these critical decisions.
The future of education in Harrison remains uncertain as the town navigates these complexities and the ongoing debate surrounding SAD 17’s consolidation plans. The spread of misinformation poses a significant challenge to informed decision-making, highlighting the need for clear communication and accurate information from all stakeholders involved. The newly formed committee faces the crucial task of evaluating all available options and guiding the town towards a sustainable and equitable solution for its students. The coming months will be critical as Harrison considers its place within the regional educational landscape.
The Harrison Select Board’s exploration of alternative educational models underscores the challenges faced by small towns in maintaining equitable and affordable education for their students. The financial implications, coupled with concerns about local control and representation, fuel the ongoing debate about the best path forward. As Harrison weighs its options, it joins other communities grappling with similar dilemmas in an evolving educational landscape.
The situation in Harrison mirrors broader trends in rural education across the state and nation. Declining enrollments, increasing costs, and the need to provide quality educational opportunities present significant challenges for small districts. Consolidation, while often presented as a cost-saving measure, can also raise concerns about community identity and local control. Finding a balance that serves the needs of students while respecting the desires of the community remains a complex and ongoing process.
The misinformation surrounding SAD 17’s consolidation plans underscores the importance of transparent communication and community engagement in these critical decisions. Clear and accurate information is essential for informed public discourse and responsible decision-making. As Harrison moves forward, it will be vital for all stakeholders – the Select Board, school district officials, parents, and community members – to work together to ensure that the best interests of the students are at the forefront of any decision made.
The Harrison Select Board’s consideration of withdrawing from SAD 17 highlights the evolving relationship between towns and regional school districts. The traditional model of local control is increasingly challenged by the complexities of funding, resource allocation, and the need to provide a comprehensive education for all students. As Harrison explores its options, it provides a case study for other communities facing similar challenges, offering valuable lessons about the evolving landscape of rural education in Maine.
The outcome of Harrison’s deliberations will have significant implications not only for its own students but also for the future of SAD 17. The potential loss of Harrison’s contribution to the district’s budget and student population could impact the district’s ability to provide comprehensive educational programs and services. The decision will also have ripple effects on neighboring communities within the district, potentially influencing their own decisions about the future of education in the Oxford Hills region.
