Overcrowding has been an issue in our Scarborough schools for decades. However, there isn’t much consensus on how to address this ever-growing concern. As a mother with a child in the Scarborough school system, I empathize with the urgency to find a solution. We all want our children to be able to learn in great schools. As a taxpayer, I also understand the concerns with the cost of new projects. I would like to provide information from both sides of the issue, so that you can go to the ballot box informed.
There are currently three elementary schools that serve our community. A third party conducted an enrollment projection study that was published in March 2023. By analyzing school enrollment and birth data over the last six years, they calculated projections of how many students would enroll each year through 2032. Based on this study, the Scarborough Public Schools expect to see an 18 percent to 22 percent increase in enrollment over the next ten years. They are approximating that 64 new kindergarteners will enter the school system in 2027. With K-2 schools already at capacity, there will be no space for these projected new students.
The plan that the Scarborough Public Schools has proposed would consolidate all of Scarborough’s elementary schools into one K-3 consolidated school built on the former Scarborough Downs. Additionally, the sixth grade classes would move from Scarborough Middle School to Wentworth School. The middle school would serve grades seven through eight, and Wentworth would house grades four through six. This project would be paid for with $160 million through a bond.
The Scarborough Maine Advocates for Reasonable Taxes (SMARTaxes), a local political action committes, argues two main points in opposition. First, they argue that the $160 million figure will impact taxes. From their estimates, the $160 million building costs plus the interest of $117 million will cost taxpayers a total of $277 million in total. Second, they say that the consolidated school will be 22 percent larger than the guidelines set by the Maine Department of Education. They are concerned that the upkeep for the larger consolidated school won’t be sustainable due to its size.
The Scarborough Public Schools argue that this plan is the most affordable option. According to the Scarborough schools, it would save about $230 million to build and operate the new consolidated school. It is also important to note that this secondary plan including renovations is likely to go into effect if Scarborough residents reject the Downs plan in November.
Voting yes in the referendum would mean building a K-3 consolidated school at the Scarborough Downs location. Voting no would result in the need for a temporary short term soluction. This is not a decision to be taken lightly. The outcome of this election will significantly impact the future of Scarborough Public Schools.
That being said, voting on Tuesday, Nov. 7 is the best way to have your voice heard. If you haven’t yet, I would encourage you to request your absentee ballot. You can request it online at apps.web.maine.gov/cgi-bin/online/AbsenteeBallot/index.pl or by phone at (207) 730-4020. You can also mail in the application located on the Town of Scarborough’s website to the Scarborough Town Clerk, PO Box 360, Scarborough, ME 04070-0360.
If you have questions, ideas, or comments leading up to the next legislative session, please feel free to contact me at Stacy.Brenner@legislature.maine.gov or my legislative office at (207) 287-1515. You can also follow my Facebook page at Facebook.com/SenatorStacyBrenner for more frequent updates. If you would like to sign up for my newsletter, you can go to mainesenate.org.
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