Dresden Residents Consider Options for Elementary School’s Future
Residents of Dresden, Maine are faced with a decision about the future of their town’s lone elementary school as enrollment decreases and costs rise. Currently part of Regional School Unit 2 (RSU 2), the school serves around 65 students. Options being considered include remaining in RSU 2, joining a different school district, keeping the elementary school open while sending students to middle and high schools in other towns on a tuition basis, or closing the elementary school and sending all students to different districts on a tuition basis.
A committee, led by Leah Bickford, has been exploring these options for a year and a half, considering the pros and cons of each choice. The town’s current arrangement with RSU 2 has seen increasing costs as enrollment has dropped. Residents have expressed a desire for a committee to explore different educational pathways for Dresden students, leading to these discussions.
The committee has also considered the option of becoming a municipal school unit, similar to Fayette Central School, or potentially joining a different school district such as Bath-area RSU 1, the Richmond School Department, Maine School Administrative District 11, or the Wiscasset School Department. Each option comes with its own challenges and considerations, including the impact on taxpayers and the educational opportunities for students.
Ultimately, the decision about the future of Dresden’s elementary school will be determined by a well-advertised survey to gauge the interest of residents. The committee has focused on exploring the various options available, with a goal of finding the best solution for the town’s students and taxpayers.
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