RSU 10 board ratifies December lease start for Mexico building, approves lease with utilities after debate over safety and costs

The Regional School Unit 10 school board voted to change the start date on its lease for the Town of Mexico property to Dec. 1, 2024, and later approved a lease for use of the former Mexico Police Department building as a temporary school site, after several hours of public comment and debate about building safety, utilities and the timing for placing students in the space.

Board members said they approved the calendar correction to the lease so the district could proceed with occupancy work; the board later voted to approve the full lease terms that set rent at $5,000 per month with the district responsible for utilities beyond that amount and a $100 monthly landlord contribution toward a food‑pantry electrical cost. The motion that passed included a stipulation that the lease be signed in the meeting room before the board adjourned.

Why it matters: The lease decision governs where RSU 10 will house relocated 6th‑grade students while the district completes Mountain Valley Community School construction. Parents and community members urged caution and pressed the board for clear assurances on fire‑marshal…