PHILLIPS -– MSAD #58 Superintendent Quenten Clark said recently that MSAD #74 Superintendent Ken Smith has been invited to this district’s next school board meeting.

Clark said that the reason for the invitation was to find out more about something he learned during his recent visit to the education committee in Augusta.

The education committee was holding workshops on potential bills regarding the reorganization law. This included a bill that was scheduled to go before the legislature to allow Coplin and Highland plantations to join MSAD #58 as a district.

Clark reported that he heard from state agents that Smith went to Augusta and testified before the education committee.

Clark was told that the issue was tabled because they heard that Smith didn’t want the bill to move forward, because (as explained by a secondary source), MSAD #74 wanted to merge with MSAD #58, but 58 was refusing to do so.

Clark said as of last Friday, he’s been trying to call Smith, but has been unsuccessful in doing so.

“We would love to have Mr. Smith come talk to us and tell us what his thoughts are,” Clark said.

Until he learned of Smith’s testimony, Clark had been optimistic about the bill going through and passing in the legislature; it could eliminate the $130,000 penalty threatening the district.

Clark said that he hoped for the opportunity to have a discussion with Smith. He said at first he was frustrated that the legislative effort was “derailed.” He explained that with what’s currently transpiring with other potential bills before the legislature, he now likes the chance to meet with Smith. Clark said he sees a benefit to commence talks with MSAD #74.

Firstly, Clark said, there may be an economic advantage for MSAD #58 district towns should the two district merge, but was somewhat skeptical thinking voters would shoot it down.

However, Clark explained there is a legislative measure underway to allow two districts to be removed from penalties should they share one central administrative office.

Something like this just might make sense and work to save both districts some money, Clark explained.

Not only can central offices be shared, other positions could be identified for potential savings down the road, he explained.

More on this new development is expected to come from the MSAD #58 district school board meeting on Thursday, Feb. 11. There’s also an MSAD #74 Special School Board meeting scheduled that evening to discuss the budget, school closure and other items.