By Lindsay Tice,Staff Writer

DURHAM – The town is suddenly a lot closer to a new, state-funded elementary school. But officials won’t know whether they’re close enough until August.

In March, the Maine Department of Education ranked 66 schools in need of additions, major overhauls or complete replacements. The neediest, at the top of the state’s priority list, would share millions in state aid. All others would get nothing.

At the time, Durham ranked No. 20, a virtual guarantee that it wouldn’t get any money.

When Durham’s school leaders appealed, state officials found a mistake: Enrollment projections were stronger than they first thought.

They moved the school up nine spots, to No. 11.

The state is expected to make $130 million available to schools on the priority list. Depending on how costly the top projects turn out to be, the money may go to many schools or to only a few. When the state gave out $172 million in 2002, for example, the first 11 got funding.

The state will announce in August how far this year’s funding will go.

Still, Durham school officials were so elated by their new ranking that they’re already planning a building committee. Since the top 10 are all elementary schools, which cost less than high schools, Superintendent Shannon Welsh believes her No. 11 has a shot.

“We’re just excited and hopeful. And waiting for August,” she said.

Built in the 1950s to accommodate about 170 kids, Durham Elementary now houses 400. Half of the students are in portable classrooms. The music room sits next to a classroom and the noise disturbs students. The kitchen equipment is outdated. The boiler is 50 years old.

The town spent $600,000 a couple of years ago to repair the roof and fix air quality, but the building still needs wiring work.

School officials would like to build a new school.

Of the 66 schools named to the priority list, three appealed their ranking, according to the Maine Department of Education. Mt. Ararat High School in Topsham questioned its spot at No. 21 and Nokomis Regional High School in Newport questioned its ranking of 25.

Only Durham’s appeal was successful.

The Department of Education will present the revised rankings to the State Board of Education today. Because Durham Elementary School is now No. 11, Machias Memorial High School has been pushed to No. 12.