Wiscasset has cleared a hurdle toward withdrawing from Regional School Unit 12. The deal has gotten a conditional OK from the state, setting the stage for a local public hearing, Town Manager Laurie Smith said June 4.

The hearing will take place in the Wiscasset Middle School gym July 9 at 7 p.m., Smith said. State law calls for the RSU's board chairman to conduct the hearing.

The town's withdrawal committee has 30 days after the hearing to get the final proposal to the state, which can then either move the plan forward or send it back to Wiscasset for changes.

Another public hearing will be required ahead of a November ballot question, Smith told selectmen.

Smith received a call from the Maine Department of Education June 3, informing her of the conditional approval; the state will also be sending a registered letter, she said.

Susan Johns can be reached at 207-844-4633 or sjohns@wiscassetnewspaper.com