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NEW MSAD #32 PRE-K - 12 SCHOOLMay 16, 2009

May 2009

Proposed Project Schedule
Phase 1 Site Prep Design & Funding Approval
June 1, 2008

Activity Date
Concept Approval by State Board of Education December 2007
Referendum Approved January 2008
Site Construction Documents Completed/Final Review June 2008
Site Design & Funding Approved by State Board of Education June 2008
Site Project out to Bid July 2008
Site Bid Opening July 31, 2008
Site Funding Approval by the Commissioner of Education August 2008
Site Construction Initiation Date* August 2008
*site construction will start as soon as DEP Site Location Permit
is issued. Statutory date limit for DEP action is August 8, 2008
Building Construction Documents Complete/Final Review August 2008
Building Design & Funding Approval by State Board of Education August 2008
Building Project out to Bid September 2008
Building Bid Opening September 2008
Building & Site Final Funding Approval by the Commissioner of Education September 2008
Building Construction Initiation Date September 2008
Bond Date May 2009
Substantial Completion of New Building June 2010
Occupancy of New Building July 2010
Substantial Completion of Existing Building Demolition & Construction of New Athletic Fields September 2010
Final Completion September 2010

 

Square Foot Analysis
Space Definition State/Local Local Only
New Construction 83,200 6,700
Renovation 800 0


First Floor Plan (Updated 04/16/08)
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Second Floor Plan (Updated 4/16/08)
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Please use this form to submit your questions or comments on the new school proposal

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WHY DO WE NEED A NEW SCHOOL?

Ashland High School and Ashland Central School have served our students and communities well for over 50 years, but they are no longer the best or safest places for children to learn. This was determined through a study and analysis of existing facilities which included a review of educational programs, site conditions, electrical systems, mechanical systems, and structural systems.

WHEN WILL STUDENTS BE IN THE NEW SCHOOL?

Construction will begin in the Fall of 2008 for full occupancy in September, 2010.

WHAT WILL IT COST?

The new school will cost $21,937,928 of which $20,217,000 (91%) will be paid for by the State. Therefore, the estimated increase in the average mill rate for education will be .96 mills or a little less than $1 for each $1,000 of value. On average, a local taxpayer with a residence valued at $70,000 could expect to see an increase of about $67 per year in property taxes.

Another point to consider is the alternative of upgrading the existing buildings. It is estimated that it would require at least $10 million to bring ACS and ACHS up to current standards. MSAD #32 likely would receive little or no financial assistance for these required improvements. If we were to invest $500,000 per year for the next 20 years in renovations, the annual impact on taxpayers would be about 3.3 mills in additional property taxes.
 

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE NEW SCHOOL?

The new school will accommodate approximately 350 children in Pre-Kindergarten through twelfth grade. New construction will include about 84,000 square feet of space. The Superintendent’s Office will also be housed on school property in a renovated building adjacent to the new school.

The new school is designed to meet current and future educational needs of students for space and educational programming. The entire facility will be made handicap accessible and energy efficient.

A new auditorium seating 345 will be a great addition to the school and will be available to the community for civic and social activities.

An expanded gymnasium with seating for 400 will be included in this project. The existing gym does not meet State standards. As a result, when Ashland hosts tournament games, the games must be played in a neighboring school district.

New paved parking and driveway with separated bus drop-offs, play areas, and landscaping are included in the project to make the site safer and more functional. Furnishings, computers and much needed equipment are included in the project budget. An 80,000 watt back-up generator is also included allowing continuation of full power during electricity outages. This generator’s capability will also enable the school to serve the community as an emergency shelter site during a community-wide emergency.

AND MOST IMPORTANTLY?

This project will provide advantages to our children and communities beyond improved, safe, well-ventilated modern classrooms. Many people believe that excellent educational programs are the foundation of economic growth and prosperity. We believe this new school will greatly lessen the possibility of school closures through PL 2007 (consolidation law). This school will be a valuable community asset for the next 50 years.
 


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For more information contact:
Superintendent Gehrig Johnson (435-8422) or
School Board Chairperson Sheila Lyons (435-2901)

 

 

SCHOOL BOARD

Sheila Lyons, Chair
Mike Cote, Vice Chair
Kim Bowring
Mary Casey
Jenn Hammond
Brenda Clark
Sherri Calhoun
Joanne Nelson
Geraldine Condon
Sandy LaBelle


BUILDING ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Sheila Lyons, Chair
Gehrig Johnson
Charles Anderson
Robert Hennessey
Michael Cote
Joanne Nelson
Joel Hall
Larry Hall
Tom Aasbo
Paul Ouellette
Sherri Calhoun

 

WHAT THIS PROJECT WILL MEAN FOR THE DISTRICT

  • A state of the art $22,000,000 school of which only 9% is through local property tax

  • Space for quality academic programs

  • A Pre-K - 12 library large enough to meet today’s needs

  • Safe, convenient vehicle and pedestrian access to the school

  • A 345-seat auditorium for visual and performing arts as well as community events

  • Meeting safety and handicap accessibility codes

  • Improved air quality for health and comfort

  • State financing of needed improvements

  • Reduced maintenance costs each year

  • Office, meeting, and health clinic space in the school

  • Adequate storage space

  • Improved outdoor playgrounds and athletic facilities

  • New technology and wireless computer capability

  • Increased energy efficiency
     

 


Maine School Administrative District No. 32
www.sad32.org
Last updated May 22, 2009 by Jennifer S. Flynn

 



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