First Group 8 District Merger Committee Meeting and Agenda for Wednesday, October 14, 2026 @ 6:00 pm

In-Person: Windsor School-  
Virtual: Public Input will be available to virtual and in-person attendees, as well as to individuals who submit a written comment to be read aloud in the meeting. Guidelines regarding public input are outlined at the end of this agenda.  

Meeting Duration and all aspects of the meeting will be managed by the Facilitator. Meetings will be designed to last no more than two (2) hours. Individual meetings may be extended in length through a unanimous vote of the members of the committee. 

Meeting Minutes will be generated using digital tools and checked for accuracy by the Facilitator. All meeting agendas, minutes, and meeting recording links will be housed on the websites of participating districts. 

Superintendents and Board Members who are present but not appointed to the committee will be regarded as members of the Public for the purposes of these meetings. No special privileges of participation will be granted unless the committee specifically requests engagement. 

1. Facilitator Call to Order  
2. Welcome and Introductions 
3. Overview of Committee Roles 

• Leads and facilitates the committee meeting and the committee's overall process. 
• Develops and guides the meeting agenda in coordination with the Chair. 
• Introduces topics, frames questions, guides discussion, and keeps the committee focused on its work. 
• Ensures members have opportunities to participate and that differing perspectives are heard. 
• Guides the committee toward consensus where possible and toward decisions when decisions are needed. 
• Identifies information, research, technical assistance, or follow-up needed for future meetings. 
• Supports the committee in completing the work and timelines required by Act 170. 
• Remains neutral regarding whether a merger should ultimately be recommended. 

• Serves as the formal presiding officer of the committee. 
• Calls for and recognizes motions and votes. 
• Makes or confirms procedural rulings when necessary. 
• Carries out responsibilities specifically assigned to the chair by law. 
• Primary point of contact for Regional Facilitator - works with the Regional Facilitator on meeting planning and agenda development. 

4. Merger Committee Organization 

1. Adoption of Robert’s Rules of Order 
2. Election of Chair 
3. Establishment of Committee Norms 
4. Determination of future meeting locations(s) and meeting cadence 

5. Good Faith Standard Review 
6. Public Input 
7. Act 170 Overview Presentation 
8. Proportional Representation Determination 
9. Areas of Committee Interest and Next Steps for Next Meeting 

1. November Meeting - Regional Assets Discussion 
2. Other 

10. Agenda Building 
11. Adjourn

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PUBLIC INPUT GUIDELINES: 

• There will be only one opportunity during the committee meeting for public input. 
• Public Input is solely for receiving comment on items pertaining to items on this agenda.  
• Before speaking, please state your full name and your town of residence. 
• Speakers will be limited to two (2) minutes to share their input. 
• When informed by the timekeeper that time is up, the speaker will be expected to yield to the next speaker.  
• The Committee will not enter into a dialogue with a commenter. The Committee may briefly issue a response in cases when a response must be given in a timely way for the public’s benefit.  
• Rudeness, ridicule, obscene or profane language, lack of respect for others, and personal attacks are not acceptable behavior.