RSU 09 advances timeline to seek referendum on Ingalls School purchase using Maine Connectivity Authority grant

Superintendent James Black presented a draft plan for a referendum to authorize RSU 09 to acquire the Ingalls School building using a Maine Connectivity Authority infrastructure grant. The presentation included a proposed timeline and draft ballot language for the board’s review.

Key dates in the draft schedule: the board is to vote to initiate the referendum and sign warrants at the February 11 board meeting; a public hearing is scheduled for March 11 (6 p.m., with the regular board meeting at 7 p.m.); participating towns will vote on March 25; and the board would declare the official results on April 8. Black said the grant would be administered through the Maine Connectivity Authority and that Adult Education funds would pay for the referendum costs rather than district operating funds.

The superintendent said the draft ballot language aims to make clear the facility will function as a Franklin County Adult Education and technology hub serving community members as well as educational programs. Board members suggested edits to make the lead of the ballot language clearer (to mention the Connectivity Authority earlier in the question) and asked for a legal review before finalization.

Black noted the grant award has a cap (discussed in the packet as not to exceed $1.6 million) and that the building has been substantially refurbished, though an estimated $100,000–$110,000 of additional work may be needed. He said if the public approves the referendum but the grant disappears, the project would not proceed; the board would not be legally bound to complete the purchase absent funding.

Next steps: board will review revised ballot language and vote to initiate referendum on Feb. 11, with staff expected to circulate a revised version to the board and the district attorney for review.