Staff Writer
Photo courtesy of Lewis & Malm ArchitectureA PUBLIC HEARING will be held at 7 p.m. Jan. 9 at the Ashland High School Cafeteria giving SAD 32 community members another opportunity to ask questions about the proposed new consolidated pre-kindergarten to grade 12 school. This is how Lewis & Malm Architecture of Bucksport envision the facility. New construction would include about 84,000 square feet of space, and would feature an auditorium and an expanded gymnasium. Through a study and analysis of existing facilities, which included a review of educational programs, site conditions, and electrical, mechanical, and structural systems, it was determined that Ashland High School and Ashland Central School are no longer the best or safest places for children to learn. Residents will decide Jan. 31 at a referendum vote whether to authorize the construction of the new school.
“The district hasn’t had a new educational structure in 50 years,” said Superintendent Gehrig Johnson. “If approved, this building will provide an excellent education for the next five decades.
“If voters don’t authorize the construction, we’re looking immediately at a major outlay of local money to upgrade the existing buildings. Because we knew that we had a state-funded building going through the approval process, we have not put any substantial maintenance upgrades in the existing facilities except for safety,” he said. “We’re hoping that the community will see fit to approve this building.”
According to a recent mailing sent to 1,300 postal patrons and another 1,700 placed at various local businesses, if the local vote fails, state money for the project will be given to the next district in line for construction.
“SAD 32 will not have another such opportunity for many years,” said Johnson. “The school board would then have to develop a plan this spring to address structural differences and inadequate conditions at Ashland High School and Ashland Central School totaling approximately $10 million using local money.
“SAD 32 likely would receive little or no financial assistance for these required improvements,” he said. “If we were to invest $500,000 per year for the next 20 years in renovations, the annual impact on taxpayers would be about 3.3 mills in additional property taxes.”
The new school will cost $21,937,928, of which $20,217,000 (91 percent) will be paid for by the state.
“Therefore, the estimated increase in the average mill rate for education will be .96 mills or a little less than $1 for each $1,000 of value,” Johnson said. “On average, a local taxpayer with a residence valued at $70,000 could expect to see an increase of about $67 per year in property taxes.”
Sheila Lyons, chair of the SAD 32 board of directors and of the building advisory committee, has lived in and worked for the district for 35 years and is excited about the possibility of a new school.
“I taught for 23 years, was on the school board before I taught, was librarian at the high school for a while, as well as teaching Head Start,” she said, “and I visited a lot of the homes of the children that I’ve had and I know how excited the people are about having a new school.
“There are people out there who think the school will raise taxes and that we don’t really need it,” said Lyons, “but those aren’t people who have kids in the district. I think the majority of people are thrilled. When they see what it’s going to look like and how much it’s going to give to their children, they’ll be excited, too. I know I am.”
Through a study and analysis of existing facilities, which included a review of educational programs, site conditions, and electrical, mechanical, and structural systems, it was determined that Ashland High School and Ashland Central School are no longer the best or safest places for children to learn.
The new school would accommodate about 350 children in pre-K through grade 12. New construction would include about 84,000 square feet of space. The Superintendent’s Office would also be housed on school property in a renovated building adjacent to the new school.
“The new school is designed to meet current and future educational needs of students for space and educational programming,” said Johnson. “The entire facility will be made handicap accessible and energy efficient.”
The new consolidated school would also include an auditorium designed to seat 345, and an expanded gymnasium with seating for 400.
“The existing gym does not meet the Maine Principals’ Association standards,” said Johnson. “As a result, when Ashland hosts tournament games, the games must be played in a neighboring school district.”
New paved parking and driveway with separated bus drop-offs, play areas, and landscaping are included in the project to make the site safer and more functional. Furnishings, computers and much needed equipment are included in the project budget, as well. An 80,000-watt back-up generator would also allow the continuation of full power during electricity outages.
“This generator’s capability will also enable the school to serve the community as an emergency shelter site during a community-wide emergency,” Johnson said.
If the project is approved by district voters Jan. 31, the next step would be final state Board of Education approval in February to release funding for the project. From there, the necessary documents would be prepared to put the construction phase out to bid.
A public hearing will be held at 7 p.m. Jan. 9 at the Ashland High School Cafeteria giving community members another opportunity to ask questions of both Johnson and architect Don Lewis of Lewis & Malm Architecture of Bucksport.
“Our construction committee and our business manager will also be there,” said Johnson. “It will be the last chance for face-to-face discussion before the referendum.”
People will, however, have the opportunity to post comments and questions on the district’s Web site, www.sad32.org.
Residents will be able to vote from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 31 at the following polling places:
• Ashland, Ashland Town Office, 17 Bridgham St.
• Garfield, Garfield Town Garage, 8 Cross Road.
• Masardis, Town Office, 26 School St.
• Oxbow, Oxbow Community Center.
• Portage, Town Office, 7 School St.
“Anyone who cares about education, who has children or grandchildren, or are interested in the vitality of the community, should vote ‘yes’ on this project,” said Johnson. “The proposed structure is state-of-the art and would be a drawing card for the community. We’re excited about it.”
“This is such a wonderful opportunity for the district,” Lyons said. “Our children in northern Maine deserve just as much as any child anywhere else in the state.
“Everybody out there needs to vote,” she said. “It’s important for people who do want the school not to just think, ‘Well, of course it’s going to go through.’ I’m really encouraging people to get out and vote. It would be a wonderful addition to the community, and will help the economy. Anyone who is moving, one of the first things they look at it the schools. This school would really help the community.”
If the project receives a favorable vote at the Jan. 31 referendum, construction would begin this fall for full occupancy in September 2010.
For more information about the public hearing or referendum vote, contact Johnson at 435-8422 or Lyons at 435-2901.
