AUGUSTA -- About half the students in the state go to school in a district that has an approved consolidation plan, a spokesman for the state Department of Education said Thursday.

Jim Rier, school finance director for the department, told members of the Legislature's Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee that the department has approved six reorganization plans and 39 alternative plans.

The goal is to reduce the number of school districts in Maine from 290 to about 80.

"We are very encouraged by the progress in the last several months," Rier said.

Plans already approved account for 102,833 students, or 52 percent of the pupils in the state.

Locally, voters in Litchfield, Sabattus, Wales, Hallowell, Farmingdale, Monmouth, Richmond and Dresden have approved consolidation plans. Voters in Pittsfield and Madison narrowly rejected a reorganization plan in June.

The department is reviewing new applications for consolidation from Farmington, Kingfield and surrounding towns, as well as a plan from Jefferson, Alna and Wiscasset.

Next month or in October, Anson, Jackman, Bingham and Madison are expected to submit a plan to the state, Rier said.

Susan Cover -- 621-5642

scover@centralmaine.com