RSU 21 Facilities Public Forum October 18, 2010 WELCOME!

AGENDA 6:00 PM Overview & Background 6:30 PM Discussion Groups 7:35 PM Reconvene in Auditorium 7:45 PM Sharing of Recurring Themes 8:10 PM Open Forum 8:50 PM Next Steps & Adjournment 9:00 PM Regular Board Meeting

Introductions & Facilities Committee Recent History

Strategic Plan Overview Category IV Lead Objective 1- Adequate Spaces Provide comfortable, up-to-date facilities with adequate space for all educational needs, as well as appropriate and attractive community spaces which invite public use of the schools.

Core Beliefs Excellent Educational facilities are in the best long-term interests of all citizens. The communities have the capacity to provide excellent schools. The State of Maine may not have the resources to provide construction funding assistance in the foreseeable future. We should plan to go it alone if outside funding is unavailable. If it turns up someday, the taxpayers benefit. There should be equity among facilities in the RSU, so that each school can offer comparable educational facilities to its students.

Each school should provide the same curriculum. K-5 grade configuration is considered optimal for elementary schools. There should be one Elementary School (K-5) in each Community. After renovations, K-5 children can/should be assigned not by town, but by school proximity, school capacity, and bussing considerations. Exceptions must be possible. Core Beliefs

Facilities Study Objectives Define required future RSU 21 capacity needs – I.e., number of schools and size. Develop and recommend a plan to the RSU voters to “right-size” the number and location of schools needed for K-5 education. Develop a plan to modernize Kennebunk High School Prioritize K-5 and high school funding requirements. Within the context of the above, develop flexible long- range plans that will meet projected RSU needs for the next 25 years

Recommendations See your Handout, page 1 Executive Summary.

Student Population Projections RSU 21 student population is projected to decline over the next 10 years. Table 1.01A – Student Population Reduction Students attending RSU 21 schools 2, students attending schools outside the RSU (mostly TAHS & TAMS) Total RSU Students2, Total RSU students - Projected2, Total Reduction Projected 453 students, 15.9% decrease Planning Decisions Inc.

Student Population Projections

Elementary School Strategy School population will continue to shrink. Need to close one school. Principle of an Elementary school in each community is the right one for us, and. Going to K-5 for each school is a commonly accepted educational model. SRS is left as the “odd man out” Need to bring KCS and MLD up to “like- new” conditions.

A School for each Community

Why a School for each Community? Community identity and public use Greater volunteer involvement and ownership Pride RPC intent It works!

High School Needs Building is obsolete and outdated Built in 1939, additions in 1955 and % of classrooms under DOE standard of 800 sq. ft. Poorly insulated Significant electrical deficiencies Poor air quality No sprinkler or fire alarm system Outdated communication systems

Very inefficient mechanical systems Numerous code violations Safety and security weaknesses Very poor library, auditorium, band room, cafeteria and other common spaces Major barriers to team teaching, use of technology High School Needs

Athletic facilities in poor condition Nine portable classrooms Terrible traffic circulation No sense of community and welcoming Limited ability for community usage High School Needs

Just Imagine…..

Middle School of the Kennebunks Opened in 2001 Good condition Issue with indoor air quality/water intrusion Aggressive remediation plan in place State Funding of $1mm! Adequate capacity can absorb TAMS students

Proposal Timeline 2010/11 – H.S. Building Committee June 2011 Vote on Bond for KHS Renovation Vote on SRS Closure September 2012 – Reassign SRS students – H.S. Renovation – MLD & KCD Renovation 2015 – Sell SRS

The Boiling Frog!

How much $$??? What does it mean to me? High School renovation: $34 mm to $40mm M.L.Day renovation: $6.5mm KCS renovation: $6.9mm TOTAL: $47mm to $54mm

Impact to each taxpayer (ESTIMATE!) Assume: No State Aid to construction Reduction of out-of-district tuition Staff reductions as enrollment declines

Impact to the Taxpayer Kennebunk High School Renovation Project ($34M at 4.0% over 20 years) Average over 20 years KHS BondReduced Operating $Total Impact per 100k Arundel96.86(6.23)90.63 Kennebunk73.79(3.67)70.12 Kennebunkport40.92(1.21)39.71

Impact to the Taxpayer Elementary School Renovation Project ($13.9M at 4.0% over 20 years) Average over 20 years K-5 Bond Reduced Operating $ Sale of Sea Road Total Impact per 100k Arundel 38.17(49.88)(7.33)(19.04) Kennebunk 29.08(29.39)(4.32)(4.63) Kennebunkport 16.13(9.70)(1.43)5.00

Impact to the Taxpayer Purchasing the TAMS Contract / Staff Reductions (25% of Arundel Students attend RSU Schools) Average over 20 years Tuition Reduction Declining Enrollment Total Impact per 100k Arundel(44.44)(45.15)(89.59) Kennebunk(26.18)(26.60)(52.78) Kennebunkport(8.65)(8.79)(17.44)

Impact to the Taxpayer Per $100,000 of Assessment (Average over 20 years) NET IMPACT Arundel($18.00) Kennebunk$12.71 Kennebunkport$27.27

So - Why Now?? Documented need is there. Record lows in construction costs and financing costs. This will likely be last major facility investment for 20 years; possibly more.

Do We Really Need to do This? Strategic Goals – We have high aspirations for teaching, learning, student outcomes. Can we really do this with inadequate and obsolete facilities? There is a link between educational facilities and student learning.

We are falling behind…FAST!

Likely Objections/ Concerns Why close Sea Rd School, as it’s one of the newest and in good condition? Answer: The Principle of an elementary school in each town leaves SRS as “odd man out”

Likely Objections/Concerns Why should my child have to attend an Elementary School in a different Community? Answer: There would be only a small number of students this would impact, for only 2 or 3 years - and other alternatives are available. We are striving for a unified RSU, and reducing importance of town boundaries At the end of the renovation, there will be “parity” among all elementary schools in facility quality

Likely Objections/Concerns What if demographic projections are wrong? Answer: Good history of accuracy Won’t sell SRS until 2014 Still have extra capacity in 2013 and beyond

Likely Objections/Concerns Is it worth investing in old buildings? Shouldn’t we build new? Answer: In all three cases (MLD, KCS, and KHS) the Committee and its consultant determined the buildings have significant value and renovations can give them the long term useful life we desire, at a lower cost than new construction.

Likely Objections/Concerns What if most or all of the Arundel students return to RSU 21 for middle school and high school? Answer: This plan has capacity for that outcome

Likely Objections/Concerns Can the community really afford to spend this? Answer: It’s an investment. Can we really afford NOT to invest in having top-notch education in our communities?

Facilities ARE important! Because our kids are our future

Next Steps? Public Input Board Vote H.S. Building Committee Public Referendums

What now?

Assignments for the Evening Andrew Dollloff, Superintendent