NEW GLOUCESTER – The fate of two SAD 15 buildings that are part of a charitable trust is in the hands of a local committee.

The board voted 9-1 Wednesday to take the advice of its attorneys in disposing of Pennell Institute in Gray and Anderson Laboratory which is beside it.

The institute, which opened in 1876, and the laboratory are part of a charitable educational trust established in the late 1800s by Henry Pennell and John D. Anderson of Gray. The men also donated money for educating Gray students. The buildings have always been used for educational purposes, but costly renovations are forcing their closure.

School board Chairman Dan Maguire said, “We could not restore, renovate Pennell building out into the future. We have to find a way to turn ownership over. We feel a strong responsibility to the trust.”

SAD 15 attorneys Hugh G. MacMahon and Brian D. Willing reviewed the chronology of the Pennell Institute and Anderson charitable trust to clarify how and why the district must fulfill the legal obligations of the trust in order to dispose of the buildings.

On June 13 the state attorney general gave SAD 15 a green light to proceed to sell or trade the buildings and land as long as the proceeds are used for educational purposes. The attorney general has legal responsibility and oversight over charitable trusts.

However, on July 18, the town of Gray filed a lawsuit against the school board to stay the judgment by the attorney general. The buildings were owned by Gray until SAD 15 was formed in 1961.

MacMahon said the Pennell and Anderson legacy transferred to SAD 15 in trust in 1961. A decree by the court ruled the buildings and land to be part of SAD 15 and no longer be retained by Gray. The ruling is subject to oversight by Superior Court, he said.

“The town of Gray felt left out of the process,” MacMahon said.

“To avoid legal haggling and expense, the parties will come together with a great plan for the good for the community and the school district,” he said.

The ad hoc committee of SAD 15 directors and Gray and New Gloucester residents will complete its work by the end of March.