With the Regional School Unit 23 budget finally approved by voters after three attempts, the school district is looking to move ahead with plans for next year’s budget and capital improvements. Its efforts are being hampered, however, by the looming possibility of Saco and Dayton’s withdrawal from the RSU, and those are decisions that need to be made sooner rather than later so all parties can move on and focus on children’s education.

The Saco Withdrawal Committee has drafted its preliminary plan, and Dayton is working on its, too. Old Orchard Beach, the third RSU community, is the only one not looking to withdraw.

Saco is the biggest player here, with the most taxpayers and students, so its decision on RSU membership will be the most influential. Saco’s plan needs to be settled and agreed upon by July in order for voters to have their say on it next November, and we sincerely hope the committee, RSU and education commissioner can meet that timeline. Otherwise, the withdrawal uncertainty could drag on for at least another year.

Just next door, in RSU 21, the Town of Arundel narrowly rejected a proposal to withdraw from its school unit in voting earlier this month. The debate there had been rampant since the RSU’s inception in 2009, and caused uneasiness in that district as well as dividing the town.

Arguments for and against belonging to the RSU could have dragged on ad infinitum in Arundel were it not for the financial study they commissioned ”“ Dayton is pursuing such a study, and we’d encourage Saco to take that action as well. It was that study in Arundel, which clearly showed how the town would save money as part of RSU 21, that ultimately made up many voters’ minds. Others still felt that local control over their school district was more important, but the bottom line won the day.

In September, Saco rejected a proposal for a cost/benefits analysis, so voters still do not have the information, and we feel that was a poor decision for the council to make.

The state does not require that they undertake such an analysis, but it’s an important step in allowing voters to make an informed decision, and without it, those on both sides of the issue will not have solid numbers to support their cause.

Money is going to continue to be an issue for taxpayers, as is fairness in cost sharing between the districts, but voters cannot dispassionately analyze the costs and benefits of being in the RSU versus independent without an impartial financial study.

The RSU administrative team has said the district is already facing a significant budget increase next year, to the tune of $1.5 million, just to cover increases in insurance, fuel and necessary maintenance. And with the cuts made to get voters to OK this year’s budget, the district is already operating with no safety net, so if one of the schools’ boiler goes down or a roof caves in, they’ll be going back to voters to ask (read: beg) for the money to fix it.

In the meantime, the uncertainty about Saco’s withdrawal is causing a delay in planning for Young School, which is now operating out of a temporary building put in place in 2004 when mold was found in the original building. It was never meant to be a long-term solution, but it’s difficult for the district to move forward with plans for the construction if the building may not even be under their jurisdiction come next year.

The withdrawal issues need to be decided, and the sooner the better for all involved. A financial assessment will help voters settle it so all parties can move forward and focus on the students.

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Today’s editorial was written by Managing Editor Kristen Schulze Muszynski on behalf of the Journal Tribune Editorial Board. Questions? Comments? Contact Kristen by calling 282-1535, Ext. 322, or via email at kristenm@journaltribune.com.