TOPSHAM

Officials are seeking members for a committee that will raise money to supplement state construction funds for the building of a new Mt. Ararat High School.

The School Administrative District 75 school board has looked at numerous policies from across the country regarding naming rights and sponsorships. Its policy committee will draft a policy to present to the school board. Meanwhile, the board has agreed to allow naming rights for areas of the new high school where the public can visit. It doesn’t rule out naming other areas of the school a donor helps fund, such as a science area.

To help guide this process, the school board voted to create a building subcommittee to focus on naming rights and sponsorships.

Committee Chairman John Hodge said the school district looks to identify leaders who would be part of a group exploring fundraising and determine the level of community support. That group will consider what recognition will result from different levels of donations.

Superintendent Brad Smith said he sees a handful of committee members pursuing donations, while the other members would focus on sponsorships.

“Once they get in there and start talking to community leaders, that’s going to help us steer our priorities as well,” said Hodge. “We as a building committee know there are going to be requests to do additional things.”

Additional features the state won’t fund must be funded locally, either through contributions or taxes, Hodge said. For example, if the school wants a turf field or regulation-sized athletic field so it can host soccer and lacrosse competitions.

“The question is, do we have someone come in and pay for extra amenities,” he said.

Hodge said he doesn’t think anyone will be surprised that members of a fundraising committee will be looking for support, and expects there are many who will jump at the chance to help.

The state has said SAD 75 may start design work. School officials are working against the clock on the project, which must pass a straw pole vote before moving to a referendum tentatively slated for November. All of the project funding sources must be identified as part of that approval process, including all local contributions, which includes tax dollars and donations. The project could be set back a year if the referendum fails.

“Having a school system is a burden and it’s a burden we all need to share, and the question is, what can the communities bear,” Hodge said. “We need to be cognizant of that. Right now we need a new high school. The challenge is to keep that impact as minimal as possible and we understand that completely.”

Anyone who is interested in donating to the project is welcome to call the district office and speak to Smith at (207) 729-9961.

To serve on the new fundraising subcommittee, submit a letter of interest by April 22 to [email protected], construction. link75.org or via mail to: Superintendent’s Office, Attn: Mt. Ararat HS Building Project, 50 Republic Ave., Topsham, ME 04086.

Applicants should indicate in their letters if they are interested in serving on the naming rights or sponsorship aspect of the committee; why they are interested in serving; state what experience, skills or interest they have that will help the subcommittee; confirm they are prepared to commit to the time required, and provide their name and contact information. For more information, visit construction. link75.org.

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