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Board rejects $18.7 million bond to secure $14.7 million in state funds for CTE/high school project; project put on hold
Summary
After extended discussion about cost and timing, the Contoocook Valley board voted 1-9 against placing an $18.7 million warrant article on the March ballot to capture $14.7 million in proposed state funding for a $33.4 million CTE/high school renovation.
The Contoocook Valley Regional School Board voted against including an $18.7 million bond article on the March ballot that the administration said was necessary to secure $14.7 million in state grant funding for a proposed CTE and high-school renovation project.
Board member Jim Stebond, who moved the motion, described three options the building committee had considered and presented a motion to include the warrant article for an $18,700,000 bond that would in turn secure an estimated $14,700,000 in state funding toward a project the architect had priced at about $33,400,000. "I move that we approve the inclusion of a warrant article on the March ballot for an $18,700,000 bond that would be required to move forward with a secure $14,700,000 estate funding for the proposed CT High School renovation project," Stebond said.
After discussion about timing and cost, board members voted by raised hands. The meeting record shows one member raised a hand in the affirmative and nine members opposed; the motion failed and the project was placed "back to the drawing board," according to board comments.
Curtis, speaking for the Selectmen's Advisory Committee, earlier told the board the advisory group supported the CTE programming but reported "broad trepidation regarding the cost of the proposal." Curtis also outlined other concerns discussed at the advisory committee, including the guidance given to architects on cost containment, community and local business involvement, and timing of estimates from the bond bank.
Curtis also reported the committee discussed a planned reduction in the state's special education aid program: "The education commissioner's plan will see a 32.5% reduction in aid in 2025," Curtis said, and the district estimated a loss of about $175,000 in special education aid revenue. Curtis said the communications committee will draft a letter to state representatives asking them to reconsider the cuts; selectmen agreed to add their signatures if the board approved.
Board members who opposed the bond cited poor timing and concerns about cost; one member said the plan should be modified to preserve CTE upgrades while reducing scope. With the failure of the motion, board members said they will revisit design options and bring back a revised plan for further discussion.
