The site of a new middle school is shown in yellow, and the teal marks show elementary school additions. Contributed / Harriman Architects Cape Elizabeth is closing in on a compromise solution to the town’s aging and sprawling schools, a plan that officials think could likely secure voter approval by a large margin. Elected officials and community members have been torn between a plan to build a new middle school with additions and renovations at the elementary school at a cost of over $110 million and a $77.
9 million project for just additions and renovations at the two schools, which are currently combined in one building. Harriman Architects presented a compromise between the two plans last week at the request of the school board , and the board and Town Council held a joint workshop on Monday to discuss it. The compromise rings in at roughly $89.
9 million and would come with an estimated 10% property tax increase. It calls for a new middle school, but pares back some of the elements in the original new school option, such as eliminating a performance space. Meanwhile, the existing middle school portion of the existing building would be demolished and the remaining elementary school portion would receive more renovations and fewer additions, with a focus on safety, repairing mechanical systems, and new ceilings and flooring.
There is also an opportunity for grant funding, such as for sustainable heat and cooling systems, consultants said at the workshop. Like the two deb.