THORNDIKE – The concept for the proposed kindergarten-through-12th grade school that would replace SAD 3’s Mount View Complex won approval from district residents in a straw poll Wednesday night.

Superintendent Dan Lee said Thursday the concept passed in a 76-5 vote.

“We had a good turnout,” he said, and representatives of the district’s architectural firm, Oak Point Associates, answered questions about the design.

The architects also showed some new renderings of the building that incorporate slight changes.

The concept for the $39.6 million building shows a single structure for the elementary, middle and high schools. Two gymnasiums, three libraries and a 300-seat auditorium will be included.

The drawings show an elementary wing extending toward Route 220, with the middle school and high school wings radiating in the opposite direction, away from central cafeterias and offices.

The district is planning to use the Mount View Complex until the new school is complete, then demolish the old school. The new school will be located just south of the existing complex.

Approval of the school concept at a districtwide straw poll is a required step to win state approval. State funds will cover the entire cost of construction and demolition.

The next step is to seek approval before the State Board of Education at its meeting on Vinalhaven on Wednesday. District voters must approve the entire project at a referendum on Sept. 27.

If approved, construction would begin in fall 2006, and the building would be ready for occupancy two years later.