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FARMINGTON — Regional School Unit 9 has signed an agreement to participate in nationwide litigation against major social media companies accused of harming students and increasing costs for public schools.

The board of directors voted unanimously Oct. 13 to move forward with participation following a recommendation from its Finance Committee. Superintendent Christian Elkington subsequently confirmed that the district has signed a retainer agreement.

The litigation involves allegations that platforms operated by companies including Meta, TikTok, Snap Inc. and Google were designed to encourage addictive use, contributing to student mental health problems and disruptions to learning.

“It’s not going to cost us any money whatsoever,” Elkington told the board.

In a follow-up email, Elkington confirmed that attorneys will receive 30% of any settlement award, with the district receiving the remaining 70%.

“The retainer has been signed,” Elkington said.

Elkington said other Maine school districts are participating in the litigation and RSU 9 could receive compensation if the lawsuits result in a financial recovery.

“It hopefully will mean some funding that will come our way,” he told the board.

The litigation, known as multidistrict litigation No. 3047, was established in October 2022 and is being handled in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. It consolidates related lawsuits for coordinated pretrial proceedings, including evidence gathering and legal motions.

School districts allege that social media platforms were intentionally designed to encourage addictive use among young people, contributing to mental health problems, disrupted learning and additional costs for counseling, disciplinary intervention and other student services.

The allegations remain contested, and participation does not guarantee RSU 9 will receive compensation.

RSU 9 includes Chesterville, Farmington, Industry, New Sharon, New Vineyard, Starks, Temple, Vienna, Weld and Wilton.