NORWAY – Renovations at the Little Red School House may take place later this year, but the color of it won’t change.

“It does need to remain red. That we know for sure,” said Recreation Director Debra Partridge of the former schoolhouse on Route 118 beside Lake Pennesseewasse.

The one-story building, which longtime residents believe was built in the 1930s, closed in the 1960s and is the headquarters for the Norway Trackers Snowmobile Club, the Oxford Hills ATV Club, Norway-Paris Fish and Game Club, the Norway Parks Department swim program and the Norway Lakes Association.

Partridge and Town Manager David Holt have proposed that $27,500 be appropriated at the annual town meeting, which is tentatively set for Monday, June 18, to begin the needed renovations that include painting, replacement of boards, the 20-plus-year-old furnace and to pump out and dig out the steel sewer storage tank and replace it.

Partridge said bids for repairs would be sought, if the money is approved, but she is also seeking grants to help pay for the work.

Partridge said she hopes, if the money is approved, that it will be used to immediately address the painting and replacement of some of the wood in the outside walls, which have begun to rot.

At Tuesday night’s Budget Committee meeting, it was suggested by a committee member that different siding may be a practical solution to wood.

“That’s going to be a big issue. We want to know what the public would like,” said Partridge, who invited anyone with an opinion to contact her at the town hall on Danforth Street.

Partridge said the wood in some areas has become so soft that if the building is scraped prior to painting, it could take out some of the wood.

One wall was replaced several years ago and a little insulation was added.

Partridge said the organizations that use the building have been helpful in paying utility bills and volunteering time to assist in projects at the building. However, because the paint has tested positive for lead, they would be unable to do the painting.