District seeks $530,922 for design work on elementary school expansions

The Oyster River Cooperative School District moved Warrant Article 5 to the March 11 ballot to raise $530,922 for architectural and engineering fees for expansion and renovation work at Moharimet Elementary School and Mast Way School.

Presenter Renee Bennett told the deliberative session the district lacks classroom and intervention spaces at both elementary schools and aims for parity across buildings. Bennett said Moharimet is at capacity and that, without additional classrooms, the district could lose dedicated music or intervention spaces. She said a recent building condition audit confirmed inadequate space for instruction and student supports and that the requested funds would produce drawings and cost estimates to inform a future bond.

During public comment Tom Newkirk asked whether the warrant constitutes a down payment on a larger bond; Superintendent Dr. Robert Schaeps (as identified in session) said the $530,922 is to evaluate options and that a bond figure is not yet final but that early estimates from the building‑conditions work place a potential bond in an estimated $8–10 million range. The presenters said a prior capital appropriation of roughly $500,000 had been used for initial architect work; the $530,922 is intended to fund drawings to approximately 80% completion so the district can develop a final cost estimate to use for a construction bond and bidding.

A special information session at the middle school was scheduled for Feb. 19, 6–7 p.m., to answer questions before the ballot. Moderator Michael Williams called for a show‑of‑cards vote; Article 5 was moved to the March ballot.