For a projected cost of $50 million, Regional School Unit 21 hopes to renovate its older schools and consolidate operations. The question is whether such a plan is politically possible in Arundel, Kennebunk and Kennebunkport.
The cost alone will raise concern, and reorganization is inherently controversial. The plan now on the table was drafted in a spirit of regional fairness, but it calls for the closing of Kennebunk’s Sea Road School, a 21-year-old building that serves 247 pupils, and is still in relatively good condition.
The sacrifice of Sea Road School would provide for one K-5 school in each community ”“ Kennebunk Elementary School, Consolidated School in Kennebunkport, and Mildred L. Day School in Arundel. Any other approach could heighten tensions within the RSU 21 partnership.
Sea Road School is also intended to play an essential role in the renovation of Kennebunk High School, serving as a high school satellite facility. Eventually, the elementary school could be sold to offset construction costs.
In calling for extensive renovations of KHS, the plan seeks to preserve a community landmark dating back to 1923. Although outdated and awkwardly configured, planners noted that the school is centrally located in the district with good road access and municipal water and sewer. The complex is believed to be structurally sound and the $34 million renovation target is said to be less than it would cost to build a new school.
The cost of this project, plus $13.4 million for renovation of M.L. Day and Consolidated schools, may turn out to be the biggest obstacle facing this well-conceived plan. A major reason behind the proposed investment, after all, is that school populations in the district are expected to decline in the years ahead.
For years, school districts have emphasized growth in making the case for renovation and construction. But growth or not, school buildings require renovations, repairs and improvements.
The plan, prepared by Harriman Architects and Engineers and the district’s Facilities Committee, has been accepted by the RSU 21 School Board. It will be discussed at a series of public meetings, with a referendum on the school project planned for next June with construction to begin in 2012.
The key task facing the board is to make it clear how this plan will improve the effectiveness, efficiency and safety of the district’s schools. For those voters who realize that schools require continuing investment, the key question may be: Is this approach the right one?
— Questions? Comments? Contact Managing Editor Nick Cowenhoven at nickc@journaltribune.com.
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