The public hearing held on March 19, 2025, focused on the proposed closure of Sabatus Primary School, a decision that will be put to voters in a referendum scheduled for April 8. The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance and proceeded to outline the background and rationale behind the closure recommendation.

Superintendent Katie and board members discussed the formation of a consolidation committee last year, which included representatives from all three towns involved. This committee, consisting of approximately 25 members, reviewed the operations of the two elementary schools: Libby Tozier and Sabatus Primary. After thorough deliberation, the committee recommended the closure of Sabatus Primary.

In a subsequent board meeting in November, the decision was made to move forward with the closure proposal, culminating in a unanimous vote on January 8 to present the issue to voters. The board then submitted the necessary documentation to the Department of Education, receiving approval on February 20 to proceed with the closure option.

The referendum question will ask voters if they favor authorizing the school board to close Sabatus Primary. Notably, the voting structure differs from typical budget referendums; if any one of the three towns votes in favor of the closure, the measure will pass. Conversely, for the closure to be rejected, all three towns must vote against it.

Additionally, the board is preparing two budget scenarios: one assuming Sabatus Primary remains open and another reflecting its closure. This information, along with the presentation from the meeting, is available on the district's website.

The meeting concluded with an invitation for community members to participate in upcoming budget workshops, emphasizing the importance of public engagement in the decision-making process.