Dover-Foxcroft fourth-grader makes small bid for new school

DOVER-FOXCROFT – He had $1.15 and could have used it to buy candy, but Aaron Andries saw a better use for his earnings.

The fourth-grade Morton Avenue Elementary School pupil pressed the money into the hand of physical education teacher Ashley Jackins and told Jackins he wanted to help build a new school.

The gift came the same night SAD 68 held a public meeting on the proposed $10.5 million school project which has since received concept approval from the State Board of Education. The meeting was followed by a dance presentation that included Aaron.

“I just thought it would be a nice thing to do,” Aaron said Friday of the money he earned from recycling bottles.

Although Aaron and his younger brother, Calvin, will not attend the new school because the family is moving to Kentucky, he believes his classmates deserve a new building.

“The roof is literally falling on our heads,” he said. Aaron is the son of Jeannie and Kenneth Andries.

Jackins was surprised by Aaron’s action.

“I thought it was neat, unusual and thoughtful,” he said Friday. “It was one of those special moments.”

Actually, there is no school building fund, but Aaron felt that his dollar could start one.

While about 95 percent of the costs of a new school would be funded by the state if residents approve the construction in a March referendum, Aaron figures his gift will go toward the local match.

He said he hoped others would show support for the district’s proposal to replace the aged Morton school.

On Friday, he and his teacher, Diane Robinson, discussed the possibility of putting decorated cans in the classrooms for donations. If the cans can be placed in the school, Aaron figures they will be quickly filled.

“Everybody needs to pitch in,” he said.