JAY — The proposed plan to merge Jay, Livermore and Livermore Falls into one school district has cleared another hurdle.

The state Department of Education has approved the plan to move forward.

Jay School Superintendent Robert Wall and RSU 36 Superintendent Sue Pratt received notice of the approval this week.

The plan now goes to a hearing at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 15, at the Jay Middle School cafeteria. Two more hearings are scheduled for 6 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 5. at the Livermore Elementary School and at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 12, at Livermore Falls High School.

An all-day referendum vote on the proposal is scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 25, in each town. Absentee ballots are available at both the Livermore and Livermore Falls town offices. Jay’s ballots are being printed and will be ready soon, Town Clerk Ronda Palmer said. They need to be available by Wednesday, Dec. 22.

Maine Commissioner of Education Angela Faherty wrote in her letter to superintendents that she appreciated the “great amount of time and leadership that went into preparing your reorganization plan. I wish you continued success as you proceed to referendum and implement the elements set forth in this plan.”

dperry@sunjournal.com