Two Maine Public Schools Will Close Permanently at the End of the School Year

Over the last few years, we have seen several hospitals announce permanent closures.  While these closures were sometimes brought on by a lack of qualified staff, many were closed due to economic issues.

Now, it's looking like public schools are dealing with the same issues.

Two Maine public schools are now scheduled to close at the end of the current school year.

According to WMTW, on Monday night, the Oxford Hills School Board for MSAD 17 decided that the Waterford Memorial School would close at the end of the '24/'25 school year.  The closure of the school is expected to save as much as $400,000 per year.

Beginning in the fall, all students from Waterford and Harrison will attend school in Harrison.  As of now, students from the two towns go to the Waterford Memorial School for grades Pre-K through 2.  They then move to Harrison Elementary for grades 3 through 6.

Waterford Memorial School currently has 73 students, Harrison Elementary has 107 students, and both are capable of housing more than 200 students.

Additionally, the Sabattus Primary School will be closing at the end of the current school year.

According to an article on the WMTW website, voters in Sabattus, Litchfield, and Wales voted to close the school.  The article explains that 329 were in favor of the closure and 152 people were against the closure.

This public vote comes after the RSU 4 school board, on January 8th, voted to close the school.

Reasons given for the closure include declining enrollment and budgetary issues.

Starting next school year, Kindergarten and first-grade students will attend Libby-Tozier School, while pre-k and grades two to four will go to Carrie Ricker School. District staff have assured people that no teaching or specialist positions will be cut due to the closure.