The former Arthur D. Ingalls School at 144 High St. in Farmington is the proposed site for Franklin County Adult Education.. Regional School Unit 9 Superintendent Christian Elkington presented details Tuesday night at a public hearing at Mt. Blue Campus in Farmington. Voters in the 10 district towns will decide March 24 whether to approved money to purchase the building. Livermore Falls Advertiser file

FARMINGTON — A proposal to accept a Maine Connectivity Grant to purchase the former Arthur D. Ingalls School at 144 High St. in Farmington drew mixed views at Tuesday’s public hearing.

The districtwide vote March 24 will decide whether to accept up to $1.6 million of a $1.77 million grant awarded to Franklin County Adult Education for the purchase. The acquisition aims to provide expanded educational opportunities and space for local organizations, though some community members raised concerns about financial oversight and RSU 9’s role in managing the property.

Appraisal and agreement status 

During the hearing at the Mt. Blue Campus, Superintendent Christian Elkington acknowledged that a commercial appraisal of the property had not yet been completed. “That’s the last thing we’re waiting to have completed,” he said. “Nothing will be signed until that appraisal has been done.” 

He noted the difficulty in securing an appraiser. “There are only a few in Maine,” he explained. “We did finally get one, and they’re going to complete that process at the beginning of April.” 

Some attendees expressed concerns about voting before the appraisal was available. One suggested postponing the vote, saying, “I understand your urgency with the purchase. However, I would strongly urge that we postpone this vote until after that report is available.” 

Elkington reassured voters, saying, “We don’t have to sign until we get that information.” 

Financial concerns and leasing questions 

Elkington emphasized that the project is fully funded by a federal grant and would not impose any additional financial obligations on RSU 9. “This is a federally funded project,” he said. “That means we will not be taking on any debt or expense related to the purchase of this project.” He added that if the vote fails, “the Maine Connectivity Authority will keep all the funds and pick another project.” 

Regarding projected leasing revenue, Elkington estimated that if half of the 14,000-square-foot building were leased, it would generate around $192,000 per year. “We have talked to about 30 community organizations,” he said. “Several of them have said they are very much interested in leasing space in the center, but none of them can say that they are going to lease anything until we have the building.” 

An attendee questioned whether RSU 9 should be involved in property management, stating, “Your response validated a critical concern that we have of RSU 9 venturing into real property management.” 

Elkington reiterated that no leases had been signed, saying, “No one has signed any lease agreement until the building is purchased.” Another attendee asked whether lease contracts could be finalized before the purchase. 

“We’re not doing that,” Elkington said. “We don’t have ownership of the building, and we don’t know, based on the vote, if we’ll have the building. So we’re not going to get into any signed agreements.” 

What happens if the project fails? 

Attendees asked what would happen if the project was not financially feasible. 

In that case, Elkington said, “The building would have to go back to the … federal government.” 

Elkington noted that the current owner had agreed to cover 80% of the operating costs in the first year, with contributions tapering off in subsequent years. “You can see the willingness to support the project through its first four years,” he said. 

Chesterville Select Board Chairperson Eric Hilton voiced skepticism. “Much respect to your dreams here and for all that you want to help,” he said. “You can’t do it. You can’t do it. It’s not adult ed’s responsibility. It’s a great hope and dream, but you can’t do it because there are going to be obligations of financial responsibility for taxpayers.” 

Other officials echoed financial concerns, including Wilton Selectman and Road Committee member Mike Wells, who warned of potential long-term budget impacts. 

Wells voiced opposition to the purchase, citing concerns about financial responsibility and competing budget priorities. While emphasizing his support for education, he said, “The key to lifting people out of poverty is education. I value education; not specifically an educational institute, but education as a lifelong practice of learning and teaching.” However, he stressed that taxpayer-funded programs must demonstrate clear results. 

Wells also warned of unforeseen costs and financial risks associated with accepting the grant. “We simply cannot afford the unforeseen costs and risks associated with accepting this grant,” he said. As a selectman and highway committee member, he noted that Wilton has had to delay road improvements for two consecutive years due to funding shortfalls, which he attributed in part to school budget demands. “Those in public positions expending tax revenue should be accountable and responsible,” he said. 

Concerns about alternative solutions 

An attendee suggested using funds to purchase transportation vehicles instead of a building, saying it could address accessibility issues without a $1.5 million investment. 

Elkington responded, explaining that transportation is a district budget issue and that RSU 9 already struggles to find bus drivers. “Every day, we have three or four bus drivers who are out,” he said. “There are no bus drivers out there. We do have a van right now, and we do go and get some people during the day or at night if they need it.” 

He also noted that Western Maine Transportation is working with RSU 9 to add the High Street location to its route. 

Justification for moving adult education 

Some attendees questioned why Franklin County Adult Education couldn’t use an RSU 9 building. 

“It is because the schools are used during the day,” Elkington said. He stressed that adult education isn’t night school and attendees don’t want to go to school at night. 

The current adult education building, according to Elkington, has not been updated in 30 years, lacks a sprinkler system, and cannot be used for students under 18. 

Proponents of the purchase emphasize that acquiring the 144 High St. building would allow Franklin County Adult Education and various community organizations to consolidate resources under one roof, making essential services more accessible. 

Elkington highlighted that many local families, young parents, and individuals seeking education and support services navigate multiple locations across the county to access educational programs, workforce development, health care assistance and social services. The proposed facility would streamline those services, reducing the logistical burden on those in need. 

By housing these resources in a central, walkable location on the public bus route, the facility would serve as a one-stop hub for education, career training and essential support services. Supporters argue this would help address key barriers such as transportation and scheduling conflicts, which often prevent people from accessing these programs. 

If voters approve the purchase, the final appraisal will be completed in early April and move-in could begin during the summer.