Procedures for Withdrawal from a Regional School Unit

The procedures for withdrawal of a municipality from a Regional School Unit (RSU) or School Administrative District (SAD) are in accordance with Title 20-A MRS §1466: Withdrawal of a single municipality from a regional school unit.

• List of Withdrawals and Plans since FY 2013
• New School Administrative Unit To Do List (after withdrawal process is complete)

Important Deadline:

In order for a town to withdraw from a Regional School Unit, the final referendum vote by the town to approve the withdrawal agreement must have been completed by November 30 of the prior year in which the town hopes to withdraw effective July 1 (per Title 20-A MRS §1466, subsection 5A).

For example, if a final referendum vote to approve the withdrawal agreement is held by November 30, 2026, the effective date of withdrawal can be July 1, 2027 (School Year 2027-2028). However, if a final referendum vote to approve the withdrawal agreement is held after November 30, 2026, the effective date of withdrawal cannot be until July 1, 2028 (School Year 2028-2029).

• Timeline Tool - To Determine Deadlines for Withdrawal Requirements - Updated 12.11.2025
• Withdrawal Referendum Timeline - To Determine Deadlines for Referendum Activities Related to Withdrawal - Updated 12.11.2025
• Steps to be followed in the Withdrawal Process
• Sample Withdrawal Petition
• Essential Elements of a Withdrawal Agreement
• Withdrawal Process Infographic