Scarborough Voters Approve $130 Million School Overhaul Plan
Voters in Scarborough have approved a significant educational infrastructure project that will reshape the local school landscape. On April 2, 2024, residents overwhelmingly supported two ballot questions, allowing the town to borrow a total of $129.85 million for various school renovations and expansions.
The first question received 5,472 votes in favor and 3,737 against, enabling the demolition and rebuilding of Eight Corners Primary School. In addition, the plan includes one-story additions to both Blue Point and Pleasant Hill schools to replace temporary portable classrooms. The project also encompasses $3.6 million for enhancements to Wentworth School and $28.65 million in improvements to the middle school, addressing the current capacity needs due to rising enrollment.
Voters also approved the second question, which secured $10 million to construct a second story on the new addition at Sarborough Middle School. This expansion aims to accommodate anticipated growth in student numbers. Construction at the primary schools is expected to be completed by the start of the 2029-2030 school year, marking a crucial upgrade for facilities that have been in operation for nearly 75 years.
The need for this overhaul stems from ongoing capacity issues. Classes have exceeded their intended size for years, often utilizing temporary classrooms that have been in place for over two decades. For instance, the cafeteria at Blue Point School serves dual purposes, functioning as both a dining area and a gymnasium. This project will replace approximately 30 portables with permanent classrooms, ensuring dedicated spaces for essential programs such as special education and the arts, while also enhancing safety measures.
The planning for this extensive overhaul has been extensive. In 2023, a proposed $160 million project that aimed to consolidate several primary schools was rejected by voters. In response, the School Building Advisory Committee, comprised of about 50 community members and guided by the Town Council and school board, spent 18 months assessing the community’s needs and determining a more feasible budget. Based on feedback gathered from community forums and surveys, the committee set a project ceiling at $130 million.
The Town Council followed the committee’s recommendations, placing two questions on the ballot to allow voters to decide on the proposed improvements while keeping costs manageable. The project has generated significant interest and debate within the community, with advocates and opponents actively campaigning on election day.
As voters exited the Scarborough High School polling location, the importance of the municipal ballot was palpable. Supporters like Tuck Barclay, aged 72, expressed their enthusiasm for the project, citing years of engagement with the school building process. In contrast, others, such as Raymond Herman, criticized the costs associated with the initiative, believing it to be excessive.
The approval of this school overhaul signals a commitment from Scarborough residents to invest in their educational infrastructure, ensuring that local schools can meet the demands of current and future student populations.
