MEXICO – If the region doesn’t pursue state funding for building a new vocational school, then it is guaranteed not to get it.
Region 9 board members discussed several options for the vocational school Tuesday.
“Why not us?” asked Region 9 School of Applied Technology board member Jeff Sterling, a representative from SAD 43. “We may not make it, but why wouldn’t we want that, to try?”
Region 9 members tossed around several ideas that could affect the future of vocational education in the region. This was the first time they had met since listening to four proposals that could improve the current building and the vocational school’s offerings by Smith Reuter Lull Architects of Bethel and Lewiston at last month’s meeting.
One of those options was an entirely new facility, something Director David Driscoll said would be paid for by the state.
The area turned down a chance to build a new vocational school at Mountain Valley High School several years ago. Driscoll said that building a new school now would require the region to seek state revolving loan money to bring the existing building up to code.
Robert Elliott, a representative from SAD 44, suggested that the board take advantage of $1.5 million in revolving state loan money that has already been approved, while pursuing a new facility – a project that could take up to 10 years if approved by the state.
One of the options presented by the architects called for spending $1.2 million to bring the current building up to the minimum safety codes and to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The state has agreed to provide 40 percent of the funds needed as a grant, and 60 percent as a no-interest loan.
“We could work toward getting that new building while providing a safe environment,” said Elliott.
While board member David McKivergan said he’d like to have a new school for area students, he was concerned that Rumford and Mexico couldn’t work together and that the mindset of many people prevented investment in a new vocational school. Board member Arthur Boivin said municipal leadership has changed since then.
Driscoll said the region’s three superintendents are willing to work together, something that hadn’t been apparent in the past.
“Whatever we do, we want to complement what’s offered at the three high schools,” he said. “The superintendents have met with the architects and are trying to create good vocational opportunities. We need to get them on board and get their input.”
Whether the board will pursue a new school, settle for making necessary repairs and renovations, or something in between, won’t be decided for several months. Voters would also have to approve whichever option is chosen.
In the meantime, several of the board’s subcommittees have set meetings to further discuss the options presented by the architects, and a tentative plan to visit several vocational schools was made for sometime in the early autumn.
“These are the four first-blush proposals. We have to keep looking at this thing,” said board Chairman Norman Clanton, from SAD 44.
Besides $1.2 million for necessary repairs, and about $8.3 million for a new school, the other two proposals suggested $4.3 million for repairs and an addition, and $6.2 million for repairs and an addition large enough to accommodate two or three new vocational programs.
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