Trenton voters reject withdrawal initiative
TRENTON Voters on Monday rejected a referendum article that would have directed the Board of Selectmen and School Committee to form a committee to develop a plan for withdrawal from Alternative Organizational Structure 91 (AOS 91), also known as the Mount Desert Island Regional School System (MDIRSS).
Two hundred and eight voters disapproved of exploring the withdrawal process, with 121 voting in favor of it.
According to the article, which made its way to the ballot via citizens’ petition, the withdrawal plan would be brought to the state Department of Education for approval before going to voters for final consideration.
MDIRSS curriculum director leaves next month
BAR HARBOR Julie Meltzer, director of curriculum, assessment and instruction for the Mount Desert Island Regional School System since 2013, will be leaving that post June 25.
“It’s been a really productive and great eight years,” she said. “Now it’s time for somebody else to put their energy and talents into the role.”
Meltzer said she had thought about leaving a year ago, but because of the COVID-19 pandemic, she decided she should stay.
“Now, I’m going to take the summer off for the first time in probably 30 years,” she said. “I plan to take about six months to figure out which of many wonderful opportunities to go forward with.”
Trenton voters reject school system withdrawal
TRENTON Voters on Monday rejected a proposal to have the Board of Selectmen and School Committee form a committee to develop a plan for withdrawal from the Mount Desert Island Regional School System (MDIRSS).
Two hundred and eight voters disapproved of initiating the withdrawal process, with 121 voting in favor of it.
According to the warrant article, which made its way to the ballot via a citizens’ petition, the withdrawal plan would be submitted to the state Department of Education for approval before going to voters for final consideration.
In response to the election results, MDIRSS Superintendent Marc Gousse told the Islander, “It’s nice to know that the community has validated the work of the [School Committee] and all the folks that had been just working really hard to control costs and keep a balanced perspective on what’s best for the kids and also maintain our fiduciary responsibility.”
Island Briefs
CORRECTION
In last week’s issue, we incorrectly stated the date paid and permit parking would begin in Bar Harbor. That correct date is May 15.
Cadillac requires advance reservation and a park pass.
BAR HARBOR Starting May 26 through Oct. 19, the National Park Service is requiring advanced vehicle reservations to access Acadia National Park’s Cadillac Summit Road. The reservation system, originally tested by in the summer of 2020, is an effort to protect Cadillac Summit’s natural environment and to avoid overcrowding of the parking lot.
To make a vehicle reservation to access Cadillac Mountain by car, go to www.recreation.gov and enter Cadillac Summit in the search box. The cost is $4 per vehicle, plus a $2 reservation fee. Once the vehicle reservation is booked, visitors should save the confirmation code and purchase a park pass.
Judy Sproule, who served as chair of the Trenton School Committee during the process that led to the formation of the Mount Desert Island Regional School System (MDIRSS) in 2009, thinks it would be a big mistake for Trenton to withdraw from the school district.