Maine: Peter Edgecomb

AUGUSTA, Maine — A bill that would postpone penalties on schools that were “orphaned” when their towns voted for a school reorganization plan rejected by partner towns is making its way through the Legislature.

The bill, An Act to Provide Additional Time to Certain School Administrative Units to Comply with School Administration Union Reorganization Laws, would delay for one year the penalties assessed under the school consolidation law.

The bill’s sponsor, Rep. Stacey Fitts, R-Pittsfield, said Tuesday in a press release that he expects the Legislature will pass the bill.

“The bill essentially buys more time for school districts that tried to consolidate with other districts, but were rejected,” Fitts said.