On Monday, July 1, 2024, the School Board voted 6-0 in favor approving a resolution regarding the School Board recommendation on Pond Cove Elementary, Cape Elizabeth Middle School, and Cape Elizabeth Hight School referendum.  Vice Chair Philip Saucier was not in attendance.  The resolution states that the School Board recommends that the Town Council authorize expenditures for a referendum question(s) and the issuance of the Town's  general obligation bond, totaling $89.9 million for the "School Building Project."

The resolution will be forwarded to the Town Council for their consideration on Monday, July 8.  The council will have the option to vote on expenditures individually or collectively for the following amounts:

(i) Up to $73,900,000 to construct and equip a new middle school

(ii) Up to 13,800,000 to renovate Pond Cove Elementary School

(iii) Up to $2,200,000 to renovate the Cape Elizabeth High School

In addition, the council will be asked to consider authorizing additional expenditures of up to $1,625,000 in the form of pledges, gifts, grants and other donations to pay for solar array on the roof of the new middle school.

Prior to the School Board's vote to approve the resolution, Lisa Sawin of Harriman provided a presentation which includes answers to questions raised following the June 24 Public Forum.  In addition, the school department's Business Manager Marci Weeks addressed other concerns and questions regarding the ability to address identified issues at the elementary and high school with the new "middle ground" solution.  Weeks showed that items would be addressed over a 7 to 9 year time period, regardless if the SRRF grants are awarded.  By budgeting $9.25 million over this time period, CIP will be in the position to address the identified items.  Weeks emphasized that the bond amount is separate from the school department's CIP, "The bond is distinct from the annual school budget CIP and repair costs, and is not part of the same project."

Below are slides taken from Weeks' presentation:

    Below are slides taken directly from Sawin's presentation.