JAY — A public hearing on a proposed $1.8 million renovation project to house all Spruce Mountain High School students in Jay is set for 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 28, in the Spruce Mountain Middle School cafeteria.

A tour of the areas involved will take place at 4:30 p.m. and those interested are asked to meet at the middle school.

Following the 5:30 p.m. presentation and hearing, the RSU 73 board may act on bonding for the project.

Proposed is the creation of 16 new spaces at the Jay high school, middle school and adjacent Community Building. Many of those spaces would be classrooms, while others would be offices, consultation rooms and storage space.

The Augusta architectural firm of Bunker and Savage presented the renovation and design plan at an RSU 73 board meeting last week.

Among the proposed changes are:

* Spruce Mountain High School in Jay — Convert two classrooms into four; convert two classrooms into three classrooms; convert of a storage space/workroom in the library wing into a conference room and office; convert a portion of the gym into new space; create a small classroom/consultation room off the lobby; update energy efficient lights, fire alarms, telecommunication, and networking, along with new or updated handicapped accessible bathrooms.

* Spruce Mountain Middle School and Jay Community Building — Create several new classrooms in the Community Building; create storage areas and bathrooms; install a sound-absorbing system and new electrical and mechanical systems.

In addition to the proposed changes, three alternates are also included in the overall $1.8 million project. These are:

* Spruce Mountain High School in Jay — Create two separate spaces from one large shop room; remove a partition in the cafeteria to allow more seating.

* Spruce Mountain Middle School — Remove a partition and display case to make a new entrance into a classroom, and install a moveable partition for two classrooms.

If the board approves bonding for the project, voters in Jay, Livermore and Livermore Falls must approve it.