The election looming in three weeks, Freeport residents and municipal and school officials congregated Tuesday night for one last public hearing on the issue that has evoked heated debate all year – withdrawal from Regional School Unit 5.

Freeport residents will decide on Nov. 4 whether to withdraw from RSU 5, which also includes Durham and Pownal and was formed in 2009.

The public hearing at the Town Hall was held after the Tri-Town Weekly’s deadline.

Two groups have formed to push their viewpoints on withdrawal. The RSU 5 Better Together Coalition to Oppose Freeport’s Withdrawal from RSU 5 believes that withdrawal will not improve education for students, save money or improve the governance of the schools. Yes for Freeport believes that Freeport could save money by going it alone, possibly with the help of shared services with the town, and that Freeport would have more control over its schools and costs.

– Larry Grard