Dover-Foxcroft OKs school plan Selectmen sign resolution supporting construction of $10.8 million facility

DOVER-FOXCROFT – Selectmen voted 4-2 on Monday in support of the construction of a $10.8 million elementary school but not before they peppered SAD 68 Superintendent John Dirnbauer with questions about the project.

Based on Dirnbauer’s answers, it didn’t take Selectman Elwood Edgerly long to express his support to replace the aging Morton Avenue Elementary School with a new two-story school in 2007.

Edgerly, who had expressed concerns earlier in the process about the need for a new school, was convinced it would be the cheapest avenue for the district.

Dirnbauer was seeking the selectmen’s endorsement to strengthen community support for the project.

Edgerly’s support came after Dirnbauer said the district can either build a new school that is 100 percent funded by the state with no local funds, or it can make the estimated $4 million in renovations to the Morton Avenue school, funded totally by the towns of Dover-Foxcroft, Monson, Sebec and Charleston.

Dirnbauer said the state would not put any funds into the renovation of an old school.

“Not supporting the new school will cost us more,” Edgerly said Monday.

If voters give their support at a March 1 referendum, the district will vacate the superintendent’s office on Mayo Street and the Morton elementary school in 2007. The town will be offered the buildings, which have no debt, free of charge, according to Dirnbauer.

It was noted, however, that once the buildings are vacated, either the district or the town, if residents accept the buildings, must continue the upkeep and insurance. Town Manager Jack Clukey pointed out the latter would be costly for vacant buildings.

Selectmen also were told by Dirnbauer that the operation and maintenance costs at the new school will increase the school budget by about $17,500, which should be offset by increased state subsidy funds anticipated in 2006 and 2007.

Not all selectmen were in favor of supporting the new school project. Selectman Joyce Perry, one of two who did not give their support on Monday, expressed concern that the new school ultimately would mean the closure of the Monson Elementary School. Keeping the children in mind, Perry wondered whether “Wal-Mart warehousing” the elementary children with middle school pupils was the best option.

Dirnbauer said the “potential agendas” of Monson and Charleston, a town engaged in the withdrawal process, should not enter “into the equation.” But, he added, there has been no decision about the future of the Monson school.

Selectman Lynn Vernon also did not give his initial support to a resolution because he said there are too many unanswered questions about the process.

Among them, he asked why residents had to bond for the new school if the state is paying 100 percent of the costs. Dirnbauer replied that the district must follow state regulations, and the bond process is one of them.