BLUE HILL — School board members from nine towns working to create an alternative organizational structure (AOS) and satisfy the state’s school consolidation law abandoned the effort Monday.

Instead, the group will pursue collaborations to save money and enhance academic programs.

The group had met twice before Monday to craft a plan that would consolidate school administration in the Union 93 towns of Blue Hill, Penobscot, Brooksville and Castine, the Union 76 towns of Deer Isle, Stonington, Sedgwick and Brooklin and the town of Surry.

An AOS plan presented to voters last year was rejected in seven towns, with Surry and Castine approving the measure.

After considering changes in the consolidation law made by the Legislature after last year’s vote, school officials in May agreed to work on another plan and bring it to voters in November.

The effort was dropped Monday, as school board members cited a lack of benefits in forming an AOS and the unlikely possibility of crafting a plan that would meet with voter approval.

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