RUMFORD – Superintendent Jim Hodgkin agreed on Monday to look into the placement of a nonbinding question about a possible addition to the high school on the ballot during the June budget vote.
Frank DiConzo, a Rumford school board member, is heading up an ad hoc committee that is researching the possibility of building a $2.4 million addition onto the high school. The addition would house a pool and fitness center for use by district students and all River Valley residents.
He has said that the project, if approved by the school board, would be built with grant money and donations rather than by taxpayer funds.
He said at Monday’s meeting that raising money is difficult without board approval.
“We’d like to be assured we had approval to add on. That would be easier to sell the idea, to get grants and donations. Without that approval, it’s difficult to sell it,” he said.
Some on the board, however, are concerned that even if the fitness center could be built without taxpayer money, the upkeep may fall to taxpayers. Questions about liability also surfaced.
“The building would be on SAD 43 property. What are the legalities of having a building on our property and having someone else run it?” asked Rumford board member Mike Papsadora, who is also concerned that the building’s maintenance may be attached to the SAD 43 budget in the future.
Hodgkin believes a greater sense of whether the community supports such a project is needed, and the sooner, the better.
“We should know fairly soon before the committee goes much further,” he said.
He said he plans to check with the district’s legal counsel for possible wording of a nonbinding vote. If such a vote is devised, it could go to voters during the June budget referendum.
DiConzo has said that if the project goes forward, it could take up to five years to complete.
The idea for a fitness center was triggered when SAD 43 and SAD 21 received federal funds over a three-year period of $360,000 for the purchase of exercise and wellness equipment.
DiConzo also said that the suggestion for a pool to serve the area has been considered at least twice in the past.
The ad hoc committee’s next meeting is set for March 10 at the high school when further work on a business plan will be developed.
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