Published on November 14, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (11/14/24)
Cape Elizabeth School Board authorizes the Superintendent to negotiate and sign a contract with Harriman architecture firm to revise “Middle Ground” building project.
Cape Elizabeth Maine – At a regular business meeting on November 12, 2024, the Cape Elizabeth School Board voted unanimously to authorize the Superintendent to work with Harriman architects to revise the “Middle Ground” design, which includes a new middle school and necessary upgrades to the elementary and high schools. The bond to fund this project, combined with an undefined municipal project, was narrowly defeated in last week’s referendum.
"Over all I am heartened by the extremely close vote on the Middle Ground school project design,” said Superintendent Chris Record. “We came within 166 votes of building the first new school in Cape in over 50 years. It is clear we made great progress in helping Cape citizens understand the very real needs of our schools and the multiple benefits of building a new middle school for our students and staff.”
School Board members were united in their desire for Dr. Record to get right back to work with Harriman, to “sharpen their pencils” and make refinements that would lead to cost reduction. Vice Chair Philip Saucier said, “Harriman has been an excellent consulting/architecture firm. They have all the resources … and I think that they can continue to refine this in light of what we have learned.” The Board was steadfast in its support of the Middle Ground as the concept to address comprehensive safety/security needs and educational barriers while minimizing disruption to students. “We’re very close,” added outgoing Chair Elizabeth Scifres. “Let’s see what we can tweak.” She went on to say, “It’s about need. And the needs have not changed.”
Elizabeth Scifres, School Board Chairperson
Cape Elizabeth School Department, 320 Ocean House Rd, Cape Elizabeth, ME