Guilford School District Considers Merger with Foxcroft Academy

The future of the Guilford-based SAD 4 School District is under consideration as officials explore a potential merger with Foxcroft Academy. At a meeting on November 12 held at Piscataquis Community Elementary School, the school board discussed a recent proposal from Foxcroft Academy to become the primary high school for students in the district, which encompasses six towns.

Superintendent Kelly MacFadyen noted that discussions regarding this transition were initiated over a year ago. The proposed arrangement would mimic the existing model employed by RSU 68 in Dover-Foxcroft, where Foxcroft Academy currently serves as the public high school for four nearby towns. Under this plan, SAD 4 would continue to cater to students in grades pre-K to 8 from communities including Abbot, Cambridge, Guilford, Parkman, Sangerville, and Wellington, while high school students would be tuitioned to Foxcroft Academy.

Transportation logistics would also be part of the agreement, with SAD 4 providing transport for students to and from Foxcroft Academy, while the academy would handle transportation for extracurricular activities, including sports events.

The proposal comes during a period of potential change for both institutions. In late 2024, Foxcroft Academy announced plans to enhance its vocational and technical training programs by refurbishing the Penquis Higher Education Center in Dover-Foxcroft. However, recent developments have seen federal grant funding, which was intended to assist with startup costs, withdrawn.

MacFadyen mentioned that SAD 4 is currently working on an application for a regional comprehensive high school in partnership with Dexter-based SAD 46 through the Maine Department of Education. The application process is ongoing, with the first part already submitted, and the second portion due by October 2024. Should this regional school project not materialize, further discussions with Foxcroft Academy regarding a merger could continue.

Niki Fortier, chair of the SAD 4 board, explained that the board has not yet held public meetings regarding the merger, emphasizing the importance of community input in any decisions. She stated, “We are a public entity; we cannot meet behind closed doors like Foxcroft Academy can.” Any final decisions related to tuition agreements or projects would ultimately be subject to a public referendum following a series of community discussions.

There are many questions within the community concerning potential job impacts and transportation logistics. Fortier expressed concern about the implications for students transitioning from the smaller environment of Piscataquis Community Secondary School (PCHS), which has an approximate enrollment of 140, to the larger Foxcroft Academy, which serves about 410 students. “Are kids who are shining in that small group going to have the same opportunities?” she asked.

The discussion has also highlighted the relationship between SAD 4 and Foxcroft Academy, particularly in terms of representation. The Foxcroft Academy Board of Trustees consists of 17 members, and the recent letter indicated that SAD 4 could be allotted two seats on this board. It remains unclear whether this would result in replacing existing members or expanding the board to 19.

In response to the proposed merger, board member Art Jette pointed out that SAD 4 directors are elected representatives of their communities, while Foxcroft Academy trustees are not. This distinction fosters a closer connection between community members and decision makers regarding academic policies and staffing.

The desire for collaboration between SAD 4 and Foxcroft Academy has been evident. Board member Danielle Gray, a graduate of Foxcroft Academy, noted that the small community’s interconnected nature allows for strong partnerships. She mentioned that Dexter has been open to sharing resources, particularly in athletics, which has allowed students to participate in sports programs even when numbers at PCHS were insufficient.

As discussions continue, the community remains engaged in weighing the pros and cons of the potential merger. With the goal of maintaining quality education while addressing declining enrollment numbers in the region, both SAD 4 and Foxcroft Academy face challenges in ensuring the best outcomes for their students. The next steps hinge on further dialogue and community feedback, as officials aim to navigate these complex decisions.