BETHEL — While no formal vote was taken, 12 directors of Maine School Administrative District 44 expressed disapproval of barring political groups from using school facilities.

Superintendent Mark Kenney opened the discussion during Monday’s board meeting, clarifying that he was not requesting a vote but had been asked by administrators to seek the board’s position on the matter.

“A lot of them (using the facilities) are political groups or politically-focused groups … what is your stance?” Kenney asked the board, noting concerns that the schools might be seen as affiliated with certain organizations.

Kenney explained that SAD 44 currently has no formal policy regarding political groups’ use of school space. The existing rental process for any group begins with a base fee of $25, and groups are required to provide their own liability insurance. The application form also asks logistical questions, including whether an officer will be on duty, if the meeting is open to the public and whether the space is available.

Director Beth Weisberger questioned the challenge of defining political groups.

“At what point do you decide that someone has a political affiliation?” Weisberger said. “It’s one thing if it’s Oxford County Dems who want to meet here. But if it’s just a group that someone sees as political …”

She added that local public spaces like the library and town office are too small to accommodate larger meetings.

“To turn around and close the doors of the school, I would be strongly against that … it seems like the school is the asset we have to help build community, as opposed to separate it,” Weisberger said.

Caucuses have previously been held in the school cafeteria.

“These buildings belong to the public,” Director Scott Cole said.

Telstar High School Principal John Eliot was one of the administrators who raised the issue with Kenney.

“I don’t want Telstar associated with some sort of roadblock or protest. Given all the public turmoil today, I think it’s worthy of a discussion. That’s all,” Eliot said.

Adult and Community Education Director Terry Childs supported Eliot’s concerns and asked whether there should be guidance for groups requesting space.

“I don’t want it to be seen as we are publicly picking a side and not including the other side,” Childs said.

Two other board members spoke in favor of open access for all.

“We can continue with what we’re doing …,” Eliot said. He pointed to a hallway banner and added, “All are welcome here, that’s our motto and we’re going to go with it.”