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Medomak Valley High School renovation planning focuses on asbestos, water systems and long timeline; volunteers and public outreach discussed
Summary
RSU 40 staff outlined a capital-construction strategy for Medomak Valley High School that prioritizes asbestos abatement and water treatment/storage, described the state revolving renovation program application process and forgiveness terms, and discussed volunteer work and outreach constraints under district policy.
RSU 40 officials described plans to apply for state revolving renovation funds and to prioritize asbestos abatement and water system work at Medomak Valley High School, and they discussed the limits and possibilities for volunteer help on nonlicensed tasks.
Brian (transportation and facilities staff member) said the district will apply to the state revolving renovation program, which allows up to $2 million per project and up to $4 million per school, and that roughly half of the loan principal is forgiven automatically under the program. "About half of that loan will be forgiven by the state," Brian said, adding that additional forgiveness may occur over time depending on repayment terms and state decisions. The application deadline staff cited is Oct. 31 ("in by 30 first of this month" was stated in the meeting).
Staff said they will prioritize asbestos tiles and ventilation-related asbestos concerns as well as water treatment and storage improvements. Architect Anne Keterer has done site visits and photographed floor tiles to support the application; district staff said they will contract Eastern Skies (the contractor that performs the district’s triennial asbestos inspection) for targeted testing of ventilation-system materials to define scope.
Timeline and scale: officials said asbestos abatement will be the most disruptive work because those areas cannot be occupied during removal. Brian said the likely approach is a staggered multiyear renovation rather than a single summer project and estimated a planning/execution horizon of roughly five years for substantial work, acknowledging state funding timelines and construction cost inflation.
Volunteer work and liability: board members asked whether community volunteers with trades experience could assist with building improvements. Staff said the district has an existing volunteer policy (language cited as updated Oct. 24) that allows volunteers for nonlicensed tasks and noted some outside vendors have donated labor or materials for past work. The policy language cited limits board members and spouses from volunteering in particular circumstances and requires forms and agreements for volunteers; licensed trades such as electrical and plumbing must be done by licensed, bonded contractors.
Community engagement and bond history: board members discussed prior failed bond efforts and the need for broader public education (tours, video, targeted social-media outreach) to build community support if voters are asked to fund major capital work beyond what state programs cover.
Ending: staff said they will return with a project list and cost estimates, pursue targeted asbestos testing and continue public engagement before making formal funding decisions.
