A few dozen people braved the snow Wednesday to attend an hour-long hearing on a proposed School Administrative District 75 high school construction project.
The local contribution to the project is $6.8 million and the impact to taxpayers in the district varies. Those who own an average sized home in Bowdoin would see an average increase in property taxes of $45.69. Bowdoinham taxpayers would pay an additional $40.98; Harpswell $106.05; Topsham $32.69.
Question 1 asks whether residents support the “base project” totaling a little more than $60 million. This includes money contributed by the state as well as approximately $6 million in locally funded items, $119,220 in rebates the district would seek from Efficiency Maine and $201,780 from grants and donations.
There was a question about how much money could be raised through fundraising and naming rights for the project. Building Committee chairman John Hodge said raising upward of $1 million could take years. The committee is asking for local tax money to support the artificial turf project, but will still pursue fundraising.
Enrollment questions
Lyndon Keck of PDT Architects said an enrollment study projected that when the school opens in 2020 there will be 725 students. The state will support a school for 750 students.
Superintendent Brad Smith said if all current students in the district remain by 2020, the school would open with a population of 766 students.
Public charter schools such as Harpswell Coastal Academy were also considered.
“If that charter school or any charter school were no longer a viable option — if they closed — those students would need a place to go to school in their public high school,” Smith said. “We currently have 76 kids who live in our community who are attending the charter school.”
School board member Kim Totten added that the enrollment study was done before redevelopment of the closed Brunswick Naval Air Station and Topsham Annex began.
In the past when a new school has been built, traditionally there will be students returning who have left to attend a private or charter school, Smith said.
Other considerations
Keck also talked about the planned geothermal system, which will lower operating costs. He said geothermal was 38 percent more efficient than natural gas and provides air conditioning as well as heating, which is important in a well-insulated building.
dmoore@timesrecord.com
Facing 2 questions
Residents in SAD 75 will vote on two referendums concerning the project on March 7.
• QUESTION 1 asks whether residents support the “base project” totaling a little more than $60 million.
• QUESTION 2 allows them to vote on an artificial turf in place of grass for the new competition field at a cost not to exceed $649,000.
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