East Maine School Dist. 63 officials have outlined the timeline for a multiyear renovation project after voters overwhelmingly approved a $120.6 million, 25-year bond referendum in the Nov. 3 general election.
The ballot measure, which passed by a two-thirds margin, will fund upgrades at six of the district’s seven schools, as well as its Family Resource Center.
District officials estimated the bond issue will cost the owner of a $350,000 home about $314 annually, or roughly $26 per month, over the next 25 years. The final referendum total was reduced by 26% from an initial $163 million target after community surveys and town hall meetings during the election cycle.
Renovation work is scheduled to begin in spring 2027 with roof replacements at Apollo, Mark Twain, Melzer, Nelson and Washington elementary schools, Gemini Middle School, and the Family Resource Center, according to Jacob Plecker, district director of communications and community relations.
Plecker noted that spring construction will focus on building exteriors before moving inside once classes conclude for the summer.
The multi-phase project is expected to continue through spring 2030, concluding with exterior improvem...