INFORMATIONAL LETTER NO: 105

POLICY CODE: BA

TO: Superintendent of Schools

FROM: Susan A. Gendron, Commissioner

DATE: May 11, 2007

RE: Update on Suggested Model for Reorganizing School Units

First, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to all of you

who have had conversations with Norm Higgins and/or Ray Poulin in

regards to the school administrative reorganization proposals currently

being reviewed by members of the Legislature. Your input has been

invaluable as we work to develop a suggested model for reorganizing

school units throughout the state. My outreach to you was in response

to a request by President of the Senate Beth Edmonds. As of last week,

legislative leaders have been meeting with a variety of legislators to

discuss several recommendations for inclusion in the Appropriations and

Financial Affairs Committee budget recommendation.

The suggested model for reorganizing school units will not be

released as originally anticipated today due to the continued work of

the Legislature. As soon as we receive direction from the Legislature

regarding their recommendation for reorganizing school units, we are

prepared to respond quickly. Until then we will not be able to respond

to requests for financial projections for models being developed at the

local level.

Again, I thank you for your willingness to engage in

conversations with Norm and Ray and encourage you to continue this

dialogue. They can be contacted at 624-6638.