The Cape Elizabeth School Board received an update from Lisa Sawin from Harriman Architects on further revisions to the Cape Elizabeth’s Middle Ground School Project. The project aims to address critical safety, security, and educational needs.  In addition, the project seeks to modernize the middle school while minimizing disruption to students and staff, but recent cost escalation has prompted the need for significant adjustments.

Key Updates on the Project

The project, estimated at $89.9 million after removing the 1934 building from the scope, has faced cost increases due to inflation, raising the anticipated price to $93.5 million by mid-2025. The School Board is targeting $85 million through scope reductions and strategic planning.

Among the proposed cost-saving measures are reductions to gymnasiums, locker rooms, music and STEM spaces, classroom sizes, and the cafeteria. These adjustments could save $4.4 million. Additional savings of $5.2 million might be achieved by deferring certain maintenance projects to the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), which would be addressed over a 12-year period using existing budgets.

Designing for the Future

The new school design prioritizes flexible learning spaces, improved safety, and modernized infrastructure. The plan eliminates the need for temporary learning spaces during construction, avoiding $3 million in additional costs. Furthermore, the project addresses long-standing needs for enhanced special education facilities and more efficient mechanical systems.

The proposed reductions include trimming classroom sizes from 800 to 775 square feet—still larger than the current average of 714 square feet—to maintain flexibility for varying enrollment sizes.

Addressing Community Concerns

During the update, Sawin highlighted responses to community and board concerns. Issues like drainage impacts on neighboring properties and the integration of pedestrian pathways are being carefully reviewed. Independent third-party assessments and continued collaboration with local officials are planned to ensure compliance with environmental and safety standards.

Next Steps

1. Finalize scope reductions and referendum date.
2. Determine fundraising plans for additional features.
3. Collaborate with the facilities director on maintenance and repair strategies.
4. Continue public communication and stakeholder engagement.

Later in the School Board meeting, the board approved a motion in support of the Superintendent pursuing private donations and partnerships with nonprofits and foundations for donations to enhance and support the School Building Project in addition to bond proceeds.

The presentation from Harriman, agenda, transcripts, and meeting recording are available here.