Andover residents voted 298-103 Wednesday to withdraw from SAD 44. A 2/3 majority was required. A new town school committee will be elected in November, according to Withdrawal Committee officials, and that group will then appoint a superintendent. The withdrawal will be become effective July 1 of next year.
The withdrawal plan calls for Andover children to be educated at the Andover Elementary School from grades K-5, and older students to be tuitioned to area middle and high schools.
On Wednesday voters also approved expanding the new school committee from three to five people. Three will be elected in November, and the other two at Town Meeting in March, according to the Withdrawal Committee.
When Andover withdraws, four towns will remain in SAD 44 – Bethel, Newry, Greenwood and Woodstock.
Send questions/comments to the editors.