The Washington Central Unified Union School District (WCUUSD) School Board has put Calais Elementary School back on the chopping block.
The School Board is so eager to close our school for the 2026-2027 school year, that they may force Calais voters to a special election in January 2026.
They have revived a so-called “configuration” plan for the district that would close Calais Elementary School and Doty Memorial. It would also move 6th graders to U-32. One year ago, the Worcester and Calais communities came out in force in opposition to this plan. In 2024, the School Board rejected this configuration.
The full board has still not voted to make this configuration plan their recommended plan for the district. At the November 19th Board Meeting, the Board requested budget information both for two scenarios. One would keep our school open. The other would shut down our school (and Doty).
Then, on November 28th (the Friday after Thanksgiving) Board Member Elizabeth Brown posted on Front Porch Forum that:
(1) On December 3rd, the Board will receive an updated proposal with a timeline.
(2) On December 10th, the Board will vote on whether to force a special election to shut down the school.
(3) Calais and Worcester residents may have to vote by January 13, 2026 on closing the schools.
If you oppose closure, NOW is the time to make your voice heard. Click here to contact the WCUUSD School Board Members and tell them to once again reject this short-sighted configuration proposal.