BLUE HILL — A proposed school consolidation plan involving nine towns in western Hancock County fell flat on its face when presented to voters last year, but a revised plan could go to voters in November.

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 that would consolidate school administration in the Union 93 towns of Blue Hill, Castine, Penobscot and Brooksville, the Union 76 towns of Brooklin, Sedgwick and Deer Isle-Stonington and the town of Surry.

While work is going forward on revising the alternative organizational structure (AOS) consolidation plan presented last year, enthusiasm for the work and prospects for selling a new plan to voters varies widely among participants.

“There are varying degrees of interest in forming an AOS, but all towns are represented,” said Union 76 Superintendent Bob Webster. “It’s all over the map. Some are very interested, and some are barely interested.”

Union 93 Superintendent Mark Hurvitt made a similar observation when addressing the Blue Hill Board of Selectmen two weeks ago.

“The Blue Hill School Board is lukewarm about the idea,” he said. “Things are going well and they’re not sure how it would be to join eight other towns.”

For more education news, pick up a copy of The Ellsworth American.

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