The MSAD 51 School Board meeting held on March 18, 2024, focused on the contentious issue of funding for a new turf field, with various community members expressing their views on the financial implications and potential benefits of the project.

The meeting began with a discussion led by a representative advocating for the turf field. They highlighted the significant financial burden placed on sports boosters to maintain the current field and emphasized the impact of travel time on student athletes, many of whom are high achievers involved in advanced placement courses. The speaker urged the board to consider the advantages of a turf field, stating that it would alleviate some of these pressures and enhance the athletic experience for students.

Following this, Terry Maloney Kelly, a long-time resident and member of the Cumberland North Yarmouth Taxpayer Advisory Group, voiced concerns about the financial implications of the turf field project. Kelly pointed out that many families in the community, including her own, are living on modest incomes and cannot afford additional taxes. She urged the board to explore alternative funding sources, such as private and corporate donations, to avoid burdening residents with new expenses. Kelly stressed the importance of separating the turf field funding from the school expansion budget to prevent jeopardizing essential educational projects.

Isaiah Axelson, a Cumberland resident and athlete, shared his personal experiences with turf fields, arguing that they provide a competitive advantage for teams. He expressed his belief that having a turf field would benefit current and future athletes in the community.

Heather Lincoln, another resident, reflected on the discussions surrounding the environmental impact of turf fields. She acknowledged the concerns about chemical usage in maintaining grass fields and expressed hope that the board would consider the health implications of their decision.

The meeting concluded without a formal vote, but the discussions highlighted the community's divided opinions on the turf field proposal. The board is expected to continue deliberating on the matter, weighing the benefits of improved athletic facilities against the financial concerns raised by residents.