At the September 10, 2024, School Board Meeting, Superintendent Christopher Record presented new materials related to the Middle Ground School Project provided by Harriman Architects.  Residents will vote on the Middle Ground design at the November 5, 2025 Election.  The $94.7 million referendum includes $89.9 million for a proposed new middle school and $4.8 million for a municipal renovation of the 1930s building.   "We are really trying to educate the public about this project.  I want people to know, whether they vote yes or no, I want people to understand what is in the project," Record said.

The new materials explain the floorplan design.  This includes an explanation of the approach to safety and security; space for music and arts; outlines spaces that are community assets for all citizens; demonstrates flex classrooms and their utilization by special education, math, and literacy support; and explains "learning neighborhood" and 21st Century learning spaces. 

A second document articulates what a comprehensive approach to safety and security for modern-day schools means.  "A safe, secure school is not a fortress, but a carefully designed space where students feel safe, engaged, and open to learning," writes Lisa Sawin of Harriman.  This includes physical and psychological security features.  

Prior to Record's presentation, Facilities Director Dave Bagadasarian updated the board on facility projects completed over the summer and projects scheduled for the near future.  Most relevant to safety and security, Bagdasarian explained that new doors and entry vestibules will be installed at the middle school in October and in early December at the elementary school.  School Board Chair Elizabeth Scifres said that while the entryway improvements are a positive step forward, the safety and security of a school are measured in more ways than one.  "It's not just the entrance; it's a comprehensive approach" to the details within a school as well.

Record said that he is excited about the Middle Ground proposal, noting that it will be the first new school built in Cape Elizabeth in over 50 years.  "I have advocated for it strongly since I arrived here three years ago. I feel excited about this. I feel confident about this; not overly confident.  I feel it's the right thing for our students, staff, and community educationally and fiscally," Record said.

In terms of more financial information, Town Council Chair Timothy Reiniger included a Preliminary Estimate of School Bond Tax Impacts spreadsheet under Town Council Reports and Correspondence for the September 9, 2024 council agenda.  The file shows tax implications of the school bond per property.  Councilor Stephanie Anderson clarified that the estimates do not include a presumptive 4% tax increase for the municipal and school annual budgets.

For more information on the Middle Ground Project and the school bond, please visit the CESD website.

Two tours of the elementary and middle school will be offered to the public on Monday, September 30, and Tuesday, October 29 - both starting at 6:00 p.m. at the Cape Elizabeth Middle School entrance.