At a joint workshop on January 14, all members of the Town Council (TC) rejected the proposal presented by the School Committee (SC) for renovation and expansion of Gorham High School. Although most did not object to the plan itself, they were unanimous in saying that the estimated $72 million cost was too expensive. The TC and SC agreed to consider alternative options that address acknowledged capital needs and that would not place an unacceptable burden on taxpayers.
At the close of the meeting, Superintendent Heather Perry summarized the agreed upon next steps. The new joint Facilities Committee, co-chaired by Lee Pratt and Bill Benson, will be investigating a possible smaller bond issue to fund the district’s current capital improvement needs, although no referendum vote is expected before the November election. The Town will consider hiring a third party to help develop a comprehensive facilities plan for Gorham. Everyone will investigate creative funding sources for capital improvements.
In presenting the Option 6 proposal, School Committee members emphasized the benefits of the plan in meeting educational needs for a growing population. Core spaces would accommodate 1,100 students and provide initial classroom space for 950. It eliminated small classrooms, updated all mechanical systems, added parking, saved Robie Park, and increased security. They agreed, however, that there would be no possibility of state funding and that over the next decade nearly $14 million would be needed for capital improvements to major systems in all five district schools.
Town Council Chairperson Suzanne Phillips said, “We can’t get to $50 million with this plan.” The architects agreed there was no way to make this plan less expensive. Pratt, who had served on the Building Committee, said that although this was the best option they considered, it was not a solution; the cost would drive people out of Gorham.
Councilor Virginia Wilder Cross agreed that the tax increase would put an unacceptable burden on seniors. “We need a new plan,” she said, “because this will not pass taxpayers.”
Councilor Ben Hartwell wants to put more pressure on legislators as Gorham is one of the fastest growing towns in the state. He was also concerned about the town’s bond rating and the effect new bonds would have on the mil rate.
Town Manager Ephrem Paraschak said that the town’s AA2 bond rating is good and the town could borrow for the GHS renovation and expansion, but it is too expensive. “What about the next projects down the road?” he questioned, adding that if seniors left, their houses would be filled with new families needing educational and municipal services.
SC Chairman Stewart McCallister concluded, “It is clear that the Town Council wants to move away from this option.” But all agreed that construction costs will continue to rise.
“It is not easy to spend $40 to $100 million, but what about the kids? Everyone needs to have input on this,” said Darryl Wright, a member of both the SC and the GHS Building Committee. “What is best for the kids that the town can handle?”