**Withdrawal Committees Forming in Kingfield, Strong, and Phillips to Explore Leaving MSAD 58**
Committees in Kingfield, Strong, and Phillips are actively exploring the possibility of withdrawing from Maine School Administrative District (MSAD) 58. Earlier this year, voters in each of these towns approved sending a letter of intent to withdraw from MSAD 58 to the district’s board of directors and the Maine Commissioner of Education.
Avon, the only town in the district without a school, also considered moving forward with the withdrawal process. However, the motion failed by a vote of 36-23 on July 22.
The district currently includes Mt. Abram Regional High School, located in Salem Township.
### Withdrawal Process and Committee Formation
Following the positive votes, each town established a withdrawal committee responsible for overseeing the process. By law, each committee must include a municipal officer, one member from the general public, one member from the group of petitioners, and one school director.
All committees are currently at step 8 of the withdrawal process. They are researching cost information in preparation for negotiating a withdrawal agreement with the school board. Each committee has 90 days from its formation to submit a proposed agreement to the Commissioner of Education. Extensions may be granted by the commissioner upon request.
At the conclusion of the process, a final vote will be held in each town, giving residents the opportunity to decide whether to officially withdraw from MSAD 58.
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### Kingfield
Kingfield voters approved starting the withdrawal process by a vote of 145-34 on September 16. The withdrawal committee has been formed and will hold meetings on the last Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. in Webster Hall, 38 School Street. The first meeting is scheduled for November 25.
Committee members include Kathy Houston, Kim Jordan, Lillian Cheimis, Mathias Ringle, Dorrie Dunham, and John Witherspoon.
According to Kathy Houston, who spoke to the select board on October 27, the committee held its first meeting with the school board, completing step 7 of the process. Members also discussed their mission and priorities.
Houston emphasized the importance of considering the broader community and engaging with neighboring towns such as Carrabassett and Stratton. “We might end up right back where we are, but we want to look broad and explore every option we can. It is really important for us to keep it as positive and inclusive as we can,” she said.
The committee’s mission is to “explore school configuration options that are sustainable, create a cost-effective school district, and provide the vibrant, positive education Kingfield students have always had.”
Residents interested in regular updates can email the committee at [email protected] Updates will also be posted on the *Kingfield Cares about its School* Facebook page.
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### Phillips
Phillips voters approved sending the letter of intent on May 20 by a close vote of 71-64. The Phillips withdrawal committee consists of Nicole Norton, Janet White, Rachel Cohn, and Jess Cain.
Meetings are held every Monday at 6 p.m. at the Phillips Town Office, located at 124 Main Street. Information about meetings, including any schedule changes, is posted on the town’s website: [phillipsmaine.com](http://phillipsmaine.com).
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### Strong
Strong residents voted 124-61 on May 8 in favor of beginning the withdrawal process. The Strong withdrawal committee members are Susan Pratt, Amanda Coolong, Andrew Bracy, Phillip Richards, and Rebecca Lane. Alternates include Joel Doyon and Phoebe Smith.
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The committees in Kingfield, Strong, and Phillips continue to work diligently through the process. Residents are encouraged to stay informed and participate in upcoming meetings as the towns evaluate their educational futures.
https://www.sunjournal.com/2025/11/04/phillips-strong-kingfield-continue-exploring-school-district-withdrawal/