BRUNSWICK
Both parts of a $33.7 million proposal to build a new elementary school and repair the junior high should be kept as is, school board members decided Wednesday. The request designates $28 million to replace Coffin Elementary School and $5.7 million in junior high repairs.
The town council on Monday will decide whether residents will vote on a bond for the projects in June, and whether the two projects should be split into separate referendum questions.
Most school board members recommended that a new elementary school should take priority, should separate questions appear on a ballot. The recommendation was made in a 6-2 advisory vote, with Teresa Gillis and Billy Thompson in opposition. Mandy Merrill was absent from the special meeting.
“We think the elementary school is the priority,” Chairwoman Joy Prescott said. “The longterm needs of the junior high are a high priority too.”
Board member Corey Perreault said it may be more prudent to take additional time to plan a junior high renovation. The proposed repairs are akin to putting a Band-Aid on the building, she said.
Vice Chairman Jim Grant agreed: “I would rather see a better building project than just repairs made.”
The need for a new elementary school and junior high school renovation is not due to lack of building maintenance, according to board member Sarah Singer.
The district spends about $3 million-$4 million to keep schools clean and functioning. However, both Coffin Elementary and Brunswick Junior High schools are about 60 years old. The junior high has had several renovations.
Since a Jan. 17 hearing on the bond, councilors received between 80 and 100 emails about the proposed building plan.
“So certainly the town council has much to look at,” Prescott said.
Thompson said he was disappointed that no one from the town council attended Wednesday’s meeting.
lconnell@timesrecord.com
Council considers
• THE BRUNSWICK Town Council on Monday will decide whether residents will vote on a bond for the school projects in June, and whether the two projects should be split into separate referendum questions.
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