WESTMINSTER — I serve as a member of the Westminster School Board and participated as one of the members of the Windham Northeast Supervisory Union Act 46 Study Committee.
I want townspeople in the region to know that the Windham Northeast Committee made a decision to bring the issue of whether or not to consolidate to the voters of our respective towns - Athens, Grafton, Rockingham and Westminster. Importantly, the committee did not endorse or recommend the proposed consolidation.
I was actively involved in the committee's deliberations that resulted in removal of language that would have encouraged consolidation. While certainly some members of the committee advocate for consolidation, there was not unanimity among us in support.
There was agreement, however, that the committee would bring forward for voters' consideration a report and articles of agreement that would be implemented should the voters agree to consolidation.
There are genuine differences of opinion about whether or not the proposed consolidation will be beneficial. Misinformation, and guidance that is confusing and even conflicting, have circulated.
I do urge voters to get informed and involved. The Westminster School Board is holding a public meeting about proposed consolidation on Wednesday, February 15, at 7pm at the Westminster Center School. Any interested residents in Westminster and our neighboring towns are encouraged to participate.
The subject will also be discussed at Westminster's Town Meeting on Saturday, March 4. Voters in the four towns within the Windham Northeast Supervisory Union are being asked to vote “yes” or “no” by Australian ballot on Tuesday, March 7.