WATERVILLE -- School Superintendent Eric L. Haley plans to discuss a school consolidation plan with Winslow that would allow for sharing of some functions but allow the school systems to retain separate identities.

Haley on Monday night presented the proposal to the Board of Education, which gave him the go-ahead to discuss the plan with Winslow schools Superintendent Hugh Riordan.

"I think it has merit -- to at least look at it," Haley said.

The "Alternate Organization Structure," or "AOS" was written by Richard A. Spencer, a lawyer with Drummond Woodsum, which represents Waterville schools.

Spencer calls his proposal "A New Option for School Reorganization in Maine."

Haley said the proposal allows school systems to be as close as they legally can to what they are now without an approved alternative plan.

Two or more school systems in an AOS would have one superintendent, consistent collective bargaining contracts, one business office, one transportation director, and the like, as well as an interlocal agreement and an AOS board.

"In essence, it's an overseer of the central office functions," Haley said.

School systems in an AOS would retain their local school boards and budgets and have local control over school facilities and programs, as well as over employment of staff.

A difference between a regional school unit and an AOS would be that if one school system wants to spend more money because it wants a second school bus run, for example, it can do so.

"They could spend more money on their program," said board member Pamela Trinward, who also is a state representative. "Whatever the people want to pay for, they can have."

Board member Maryanne Bernier said she wanted to read about the proposal before making a decision about whether to pursue talks with Winslow, but others encouraged Haley to proceed.

"There's probably no real harm in looking into it," Joan Phillips-Sandy said. Trinward and Board member Sara Sylvester agreed.

"I think there's a lot of commonalties between the two communities," Trinward said.

State law requires school districts to form new regional school units by July 1, 2009.

The Winslow School Committee earlier this month voted unanimously to reject a plan to consolidate with the Messalonskee School District -- which comprises Oakland, Sidney, Belgrade and Rome -- as well as the towns of China and Vassalboro.

In February, Waterville rejected a plan for the city's school system to merge with Winslow, China, Vassalboro and the Messalonskee School District. Haley said the cost to Waterville to merge would be significant.

The state earlier this summer turned down Waterville's request to reorganize as a single unit. Haley said Riordan was taking with the Winslow School Committee about the AOS plan.

Amy Calder -- 861-9247

acalder@centralmaine.com