A proposed bill sponsored by several legislators could help the Wiscasset and Westport Island Withdrawal Committees. Both towns voted last June to begin the withdrawal process from the Sheepscot Valley Regional School Unit.

Selectmen from both towns appointed withdrawal committees; and the RSU appointed an ad-hoc negotiating withdrawal committee. After several months of meetings, there is no withdrawal agreement with either town.

A bill recently presented by Representative Bruce MacDonald (D-Boothbay) and several other state representatives and senators could help the negotiating process along.

The bill is named, “An Act To Provide an Improved Process for Voter Approval of Withdrawal from a Regional School Unit.” On www.mainelegislature.com, the bill states: “If the withdrawal committee cannot reach an agreement within 150 days from the date the withdrawal committee is formed under paragraph A, The petitioning municipality shall inform the department that an agreement cannot be reached. Upon notice that an agreement cannot be reached, the commissioner shall determine the terms of the final agreement,”

The Wiscasset Withdrawal Committee will meet at 6 p.m., Thursday, April 4, at the town office.  The Westport Island Withdrawal committee next meeting will be Friday at Westport Island town office at 6 p.m.

Charlotte Boynton van be reached at 207-844-4632 or cboynton@wiscassetnewspaper.com.