LEWISTON – Lewiston schools are eligible for a no interest, $1.2 million federal bond for building improvements. The money means school officials won’t have to ask the city to help with the projects.

The 15-year federal bond will pay for new windows and siding at Lewiston Middle School. The money will also be used to refurbish the front office, upgrade four bathrooms and rehab space for a fitness room at Lewiston High School.

In January, school officials asked the city to add several school improvement projects to a citywide capital improvements bond package. At least one of those projects – the middle school window replacement – can now be paid with the no interest federal bond instead.

School officials hope to start the projects this summer. Councilors must still approve the federal bond. Superintendent Leon Levesque said the council could vote on it in early June.