POLAND — The Regional School Unit 16 committee Monday agreed to meet with the Budget Committee next week to try to develop a budget for 2011-12 that residents will pass.

Last week, voters failed to pass a $17.8 million budget by a vote of 570–582. It marked the third time since May that voters in Mechanic Falls, Minot and Poland failed to ratify budgets passed at district meetings.

School Superintendent Dennis Duquette suggested the meeting Monday, Sept. 26, be a workshop for all to take a fresh look at the budget and decide on dates for meetings. He emphasized that he wants the process to proceed as quickly as possible.

Several members of the public commented on the hostile atmosphere that appears to be growing as budgets fail to gain support.

Eriks Petersons noted that people who spoke in favor of cutting the budget at recent public hearings were not treated with respect.

“They were deemed to be anti-education and not for kids,” Petersons said.

He pointed out that in stressful economic times, and with most everyone cutting back, it doesn’t set well to see the school’s budget going up as much as it is.

School Committee Chairwoman Mary Ella Jones responded that the committee’s goal was to get the budget settled as quickly as possible.

Bernice Fraser complained that she had been harassed at home with people ringing her bell after dark and vanishing into the night.

Jones noted that the committee couldn’t control the comments and actions made or taken by residents.

Steve Robinson complained that on the last referendum day the billboard outside the Poland Community School said that the PTA was asking people to vote “yes” on Tuesday. He also questioned to what extent the school system’s automated call system should be used in get-out-the-vote efforts.

Poland Community School Principal Margaret Pitts noted that the National PTA had said that such a sign was permissible; however, Duquette said it will not be done again.

The committee also accepted the resignation of Dave Griffiths, with regret.

Griffiths, noting he had missed three meetings in recent months, cited growing demands of his business as the reason for leaving the board.

As Griffiths had been serving as the board’s vice chairman, the committee elected Jack Wiseman to serve in his stead.

As Mechanic Falls is now a member short in its representation, Mechanic Falls Town Manager John Hawley has asked that any resident interested in serving on the board until the town’s next municipal election in June 2012 contact him at the town office.