Voters in Auburn and in SAD 17 have an important choice to make Tuesday – whether to capitalize on available state funding and build new elementary schools.

In both cases, the answer is yes. Voters should approve the proposals for these new schools in Auburn and Paris.

Earlier this month, this page questioned the high costs of building a new elementary school in Auburn. The same questions could have been asked about the SAD 17 proposal to build a 450-student elementary school in Paris or of any new elementary school in the state.

The new Auburn school, which would serve 350 students in the Lake Street neighborhood, comes with a potential price tag of more than $10 million, while the Paris school would cost $12 million. If the projects are approved by local voters, the state will pick up the majority of the tab. In Auburn, state financing would account for 84 percent of costs; in SAD 17, state money would cover about 95 percent.

Even with state help, the schools aren’t free. Both Auburn and SAD 17 member communities will need to sell bonds to finance their portion of the costs.

In Auburn, the new debt will replace other school debt that is being retired. While the new school isn’t expected to add to the city’s tax burden, it will require resources that could have been allocated toward other projects or tax reductions.

On Sept. 2, we wondered out loud about the cost of the Auburn elementary school and asked if the price tag would have been lower if state revenue wasn’t available. We have gotten our answer from a number of sources, including architects and members of the school’s Building Committee. State building requirements – which must be met to qualify for aid – do drive up the costs.

Localities qualify for state aid based on need. If they pass up the opportunity, the state moves on to other communities with significant needs. It can take years, even decades, for a community to return to the top of the list.

Auburn and SAD 17 have an opportunity to invest in their education infrastructure. In Auburn, that means replacing an inadequate, 75-year-old building that is too small and too old for a modern school. In SAD 17, it’s a chance for needed expansion.

Voters shouldn’t miss this chance. The schools should be given a green light on Tuesday.