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Save Pownal Elementary School

Pownal Elementary is at risk. RSU 5 administration has proposed restructuring scenarios that would convert PES into a preschool center or a 6th grade school. Both eliminate Pownal's K-5 elementary and bus our children to Durham.

We built an independent analysis using 70+ public sources. Here is what the numbers show.

What You Can Do Right Now

A withdrawal petition is currently circulating. The statutory process must be completed by November 2026. Every step takes time, and the window to begin is now.

Take Action Read the Key Facts

Key Findings

The proposed scenarios cost money

The preschool conversion produces a net cost of $87,000 to $161,000 per year after absorbing 105 students at other schools and running 8 new bus routes. The 6th grade scenario does not address the early childhood mandate at all.

Better alternatives exist

Consolidating middle school grades across existing buildings saves $479,000 to $804,000 per year while keeping every community school open. These changes lower assessments for all three towns.

PES is a district asset

RSU 5 ranks in the top 10% of Maine districts. PES operates on the lowest budget of any school in the district, has had the slowest budget growth, and is the only elementary with consistent enrollment growth.

Independence is financially viable

Under the withdrawal process used by 43 towns across 15 districts since 2012, at FY28 projected rates the worst case carries a small net cost (~$79K/year, ~$124/household). Under favorable assumptions, Pownal saves money.

Learn More

Questions? Contact us at savepownalelementary@gmail.com