FREEPORT – The Freeport Town Council has officially endorsed a proposed $16.9 million expansion and renovation project of Freeport High School.
The council decided unanimously March 5 to support the proposal. Its fate will be decided by a June vote of the Regional School Unit 5 residents in Freeport, Pownal and Durham.
The project would renovate the school, as well as add new classrooms, an outdoor track and an athletic field. If approved, a 31,000-square-foot addition would be constructed to replace the industrial arts building on the northwest side of the school. The renovations would be designed to absorb any potential population growth and allow the school to build a third story in the future.
Other plans include an update to the school’s computer lab, a reconfiguring of the main entrance, a new location for bus drop-off and a new kitchen and food court to replace the cafeteria, which would be converted into a new school library.
“I’ve struggled with this decision all week but I do support the schools,” said DeGrandpre. “I encourage everyone to get as much information as possible so they can vote intelligently. It’s approximately 75 cents on the mil rate. That’s the largest thing we’ve ever done in this community.”
The nearly $17 million price tag of the expansion would be funded entirely by the RSU 5 towns and paid for by a 20-year bond. According to RSU 5 Finance Director Kelly Wentworth, for each $1,000 paid in tax, residents should expect an increase of $73 in Durham, $47 in Freeport and $72 in Pownal. The figures are based on an initial $1.5 million payment in the next tax year should the voters approve the expansion.
“There are aspects of this proposal that are absolutely essential,” said Councilor Andy Wellen.
District 1 Councilor Scott Gleeson offered what he termed a “feel good” story after witnessing an outpouring of support by Freeport High students for the project during a January RSU 5 school board meeting.
“The kids were so supportive, even though they will not be around to enjoy the expansion. It just speaks to the quality students we have here in Freeport,” said Gleeson.
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