Law sets voting rules for school withdrawals and closures

Only voters in the district seeking to leave vote on the withdrawal plan. Approval requires three-fifths of voters present and voting in the district seeking to leave a cooperative school district, which joins member districts. The state board of education must first approve a withdrawal plan that addresses property and debts. A majority voting against withdrawal ends the process. Withdrawal takes effect when the state board issues its certificate. A shared district formed by only two districts then dissolves.

Closing or moving an elementary or high school requires a majority vote. Voters across all municipalities served by the school or district vote on closure or relocation. A petition from at least 20 legal voters of the towns or district where the school is located requires a public meeting and ballot vote. Each proposed closure needs a separate ballot. An approved area school plan automatically closes buildings it makes surplus when the area school takes over, unless their district votes for another educational use. School administrative units and shared school districts must follow the closure rules. Shared districts must bring conflicting governing agreements into compliance on October 8, 2026. An approved closure must occur no later than the day before the following school year starts, unless the municipality preserves the school.

The municipality hosting a school may seek to keep it operating after voters approve closure. The option covers elementary and high schools approved for closure. It excludes a school administrative unit with one district serving only one municipality. The city council, board of aldermen, or town select board must vote by majority to preserve the school. The municipality and school district must agree on how to run the school, including responsibility, shared costs, and student attendance. If they do not reach an agreement within 90 days of the preservation vote, the state board of education must hold a hearing and issue a final decision. The 90-day agreement period starts with the municipal governing body's vote to preserve the school.

School boards must review their finances or operating documents and report their findings. The duties cover school district boards, school administrative unit boards, and shared school district boards. District boards review finances, contracts, and policies, including debts and salaries, and give their district a written report with findings and recommendations. School administrative unit boards review organization plans and contracts and report to their districts whether changes are recommended. Shared district boards also review governing agreements and other arrangements and publish findings about recommended changes in a local newspaper. Reviews are required every three years following the October 8, 2026, effective date.