Residents urge Saco School Board to sign long-term contract with Thornton Academy

Public commenter Trisha Hwitt told the school board she wants a long‑term contract with Thornton Academy to preserve continuity and collaboration for Saco students.

"We need to sign a long-term contract with Thornton Academy," Hwitt said, arguing that the relationship is "a pillar of our community's identity" and that without a signed contract families face "certainty for anxiety." She framed the negotiations as requiring vision and fairness to avoid reductions in programs students rely on.

Phil Hatch, who identified himself as a member of the Thornton Academy negotiation committee, said he and others on the committee have been sworn to confidentiality and therefore would not disclose negotiation details at the public meeting. "We have been sworn to confidentiality in those negotiations," Hatch said, and urged a two‑way, collaborative approach that balances taxpayer interests and the academy's needs.

Board members later referenced Thornton Academy during other business. School board member Roach praised Thornton Academy's new gym and noted the school's facility work is funded in part by tax‑related state value factors; he said the building looks "fantastic" and added, "Go TA, go Trojans."

Why it matters: Thornton Academy serves as the high school for Saco students and accepts some federal funds as a nonpublic school; the contract that governs that relationship affects programming, continuity for students, and how federal and local funding are coordinated. Comments at the meeting reflect strong community interest in ensuring stable, long‑term arrangements.

What the record shows: Hwitt asserted that Thornton Academy has been the high school for Saco students "for over 200 years" (public comment). Hatch confirmed his role on the negotiation committee and that confidentiality constraints limit what committee members can discuss publicly. The board did not take a formal vote on the Thornton Academy contract during this meeting.

Next steps: Negotiations continue outside the public meeting; board members and administration indicated that bargaining and related approvals will proceed through established negotiation channels and future board agenda items.