Approximately 10 years ago, the state of Maine created RSUs. In Western Maine, RSU 10 is going through a separation and RSU 56 has been created by the old SAD 21 towns. There have been hurt feelings, false information and a lot of finger pointing.

It should be understood that the RSU 10 board was doing what members felt was best for all students in the RSU. RSU 56 taxpayers chose to withdraw, as they felt they can do what is best for their students on their own.

As a parent, taxpayer and former RSU 10 board member from Rumford, I support both sides as I truly believe most are advocating for what they think is best.

What they wanted was a separation — a divorce if you will.

We had shared services with a combined RSU. Now, as this separation is finalizing, there has been increased talk of “sharing” different things. I would encourage taxpayers in the towns that will be members of the RSU after July 1 to speak with their school board members and encourage them to limit “sharing.”

I call for this, not out of spite; I call for this after watching this district being driven in a direction for years by a minority. The new RSU 10 community needs to pull together and move forward, organized, to do what is best for its students.

The sharing of any services should be minimal, or non-existent, until people in the Mountain Valley and Nezinscot communities get a plan in place moving forward.

Brad Gallant, Rumford