The district was created by the Maine Legislature in 1980 when Ogunquit was incorporated as a town.

Wells-Ogunquit explored merging with MSAD 71 (Kennebunk-Kennebunkport), as well as the York and Kittery school departments, but was unable to reach an agreement with any of them.

Under the pressure of a deadline from the state, the towns of Acton, Ogunquit, and Wells held referendums to determine whether voters would approve or deny the consolidation.

Under the consolidation law, Wells-Ogunquit is therefore allowed to remain a "stand-alone" district with no penalty.

[5] The district is governed by a school committee, which consists of six elected at-large members: three from Ogunquit and three from Wells.