Cape Cod Hill School in New Sharon will soon have a new leach field after Regional School Unit 9 directors approved $250,000 to pay for it. Submitted Photo

FARMINGTON — The Regional School Unit 9 board of directors approved the allocation of up to $250,000 from the Maintenance Reserve Account to fund a new leach field at Cape Cod Hill School in New Sharon.

Superintendent Christian Elkington outlined the urgent need for the replacement at the board meeting Jan. 14.

“The current leach field is nearing the end of its life and is not functioning optimally,” he said. “We’ve received state support for the proposal and have identified a suitable site. If we move forward quickly, we aim to have the new system operational by the end of February break.”

Elkington assured that the funds would not impact planned projects. “The present maintenance reserve is for unexpected emergencies, not planned projects, so there should not be an issue, unless there are other emergencies that come up,” he said.

The estimated cost was higher than anticipated, partly due to state requirements for a higher-quality system. Although the district solicited bids from multiple companies, only one submitted a proposal. “There are less companies able to take on these projects, and many are already booked with jobs over the next year,” Elkington said. He emphasized that the selected contractor has prior experience with similar projects and has delivered quality results in the past.

“We are being told that this project can be completed well within the timeframe prescribed,” he said. “Obviously, a blizzard could come, etc., which would change when the work would be done,” he said. He added that the construction would not disrupt the existing leach field until all preparatory work has been completed.

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Board members also inquired about safety measures and minimizing disruptions to students during the construction.

“The areas where most of the work is to take place is away from where students play outside,” Elkington said. “Barriers will be put up where and if needed.” Additionally, construction will be scheduled on weekends to ensure minimal interference with school operations.

Board members discussed delaying the project to secure better pricing due to weather, but Elkington cautioned against the risks. “Waiting is a gamble, and if the system fails, we may not find a company to take on the work in time,” he warned.

The district will work with the selected contractor to finalize the proposal and begin construction as soon as possible.

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