PORTLAND, Maine (AP)   Portland schools have created a commission to search for more efficient ways to save the school district money.

The Enrollment and Facility Study Commission says merging Portland and Deering schools would result in a one-time savings of $2.8 million. WGME-TV reports a public hearing for the recommendation is set for Tuesday evening at Casco Bay High School.

School officials say the merger would combine Portland High School and Deering High School for grades 10 to 12, and one of the high schools would convert to a junior high school for grades seven to nine.

Casco Bay High School would remain the same under the merger plan.