School Administrative District 75 has scheduled a referendum on a new, $60 million Mt. Ararat High School, following state approval of the project’s design.
The State Board of Education unanimously approved the concept design for the high school Wednesday.
On Thursday, the SAD 75 Board of Directors voted to schedule the referendum on the project for March 7.
Moving forward with the project hinged on approval by the state board.
A public hearing in advance of the referendum will be held at Mt. Ararat High School at 6 p.m. on Feb. 15. The snow date is Feb. 16.
There had been some wrangling over when to hold the referendum.
According to Superintendent Brad Smith, Harpswell Town Manager Kristi Eiane stated that a March 14 referendum was preferable, because Harpswell has a town meeting March 11.
Board member Linda Hall of Harpswell cast the lone vote opposing the March 7 date. Hall argued it would be too much of a burden on Harpswell’s town clerk to hold the election while also preparing for town meeting.
Smith said school officials don’t want to delay the vote — approval March 7 would mean construction could get underway during the building season.
Holding the referendum earlier wasn’t an option, Smith said.
“I think our primary concern has to be what’s best for this district and what looks best for us to move along another step towards a new high school,” said board member Joanne Rogers, also representing Harpswell.
The majority of the project — $53.5 million — will be funded by the state. The remaining $6.8 million will be borne by taxpayers in the four towns comprising SAD 75.
Smith said the district will meet with Harpswell officials Jan. 19 to discuss the project. State funding for school construction comes through the Department of Education’s Essential Programs and Services model. Harpswell doesn’t trigger any subsidy through EPS, Smith said.
The district will try to schedule a similar meeting to get the word out to residents in the Bowdoin and Bowdoinham area.
Also Thursday, the school board authorized Smith to execute a contract with Communication Design Associates to provide technology consultation services for the Mt. Ararat High School building project. This costs $18,000, which will be funded by the state.
dmoore@timesrecord.com
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