DURHAM

In the aftermath of a petition submitted to the Board of Selectmen to withdraw from Regional School Unit 5, a committee was created to study educational options for Durham students, and is holding a public meeting today at Durham Community School to hear what residents have to say.

Starting at 7 p.m., the Educational Exploration Committee will open the floor to residents with questions and concerns for the committee to investigate.

According to the town’s August newsletter, a group of Durham citizens has submitted a petition to the Board of Selectmen “calling for a town vote asking if Durham wishes to seek withdrawal from RSU 5. Maine state law now requires the selectmen to put this question before the voters. A date for the vote has not yet been determined. So that voters will be wellinformed prior to voting, the board has appointed an Educational Exploration Committee. The mission of the Educational Exploration Committee is to explore all available options for the future education of Durham students.”

The committee will report the pros and cons of each option to the Board of Selectmen, and will report to the town at a public hearing prior to any referendum vote.

Members of the committee include Kevin Nadeau, chairman; Milt Simon, vice chairman; Michelle Ritcheson, secretary; Candace Descipkes; John Ricker; Allan Purinton; Rod Stimpson; and Josh Libby representing the Board of Selectmen. The committee can be contacted via email at durham.eec@gmail.com.

Durham shares RSU 5 with Pownal and Freeport.