NEW GLOUCESTER — Selectmen on Monday got an update on the condition of School Administrative District 15’s buildings and grounds with an eye toward seeking a bond to pay for improvements.

Voters rejected a $7.34 million bond proposal in November 2014 for school building repairs, renovations and expansion, and new athletic fields at Gray-New Gloucester High School.

Superintendent Bruce Beasley told the board Monday that a bond proposal has  not been developed, but the 12-member Capital Improvement Committee has made final recommendations for the school board to consider, if one goes to voters.

He said the school board would decide on a final bond concept at its March 2 meeting.

The committee comprised of Gray and New Gloucester residents has met for the past nine months. It toured every building and assessed them for safety, handicap accessibility and program needs. All district athletic fields were studied, including developing new fields and upgrading existing fields at Gray-New Gloucester High School.  

One recommendation is to build six classrooms at Gray-New Gloucester Middle School, repair the roof and columns and expand parking.

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Selectmen suggested the buildings and fields be separated into two bonds.

They also said they wanted to see parking shortages at Memorial School addressed, and a flashing light installed on Route 231 for traffic safety at the school.

In other business, the board signed a three-year contract for communications services with Cumberland County, effective July 1. The town will pay $37,298 the first year, $38,409 the second year and $39,570 the third year.

The board unanimously agreed to solicit bids for auditing services. Smith and Associates of Yarmouth is the current auditor.

The board reduced the mileage rate from 56 cents per mile to 54 cents per mile to coincide with the IRS reimbursement rate.

George Carmen was appointed to the Public Safety Committee. Nat Berry’s resignations from the Budget Committee and the Public Safety Committee were accepted with regret.


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