Saco school committee backs Clare parcel as preferred site for new school

The Saco School Committee voted 7–0 to recommend the Clare parcel as the preferred site for a state-funded school construction project, moving the project into the appraisal and study phase needed to seek state concept approval.

The recommendation followed a site-selection committee process and site walks. "I'm really excited to get this moving forward and taking advantage of the state funding that we're up for," said School member Sarah Truman, who supported the motion to advance the Clare parcel. Chair urged board members and the public to visit the site, calling it "a beautiful piece of land."

Why it matters: the committee said it must secure concept approval from the State Board of Education by spring in order to place the project on next November’s ballot. The board and staff outlined the next steps required by the Department of Education, including two independent appraisals whose average will be used as a starting point for purchase discussions, environmental site assessments, traffic studies and wetland delineations.

Board members discussed the district’s options if an abutting landowner is willing to sell additional parcels. The superintendent said the abutter had expressed interest in selling but that any purchase would follow state processes including appraisals. "We would need to follow the state process of entering into discussions and having two appraisals done," the superintendent said.

An environmental consultant told the board that a site assessment contractor was already lined up and would begin work the next day. "We already have a consultant lined up to do an environmental site assessment. They'll be starting with their work tomorrow," the consultant said.

Board members who had walked the site described the Clare parcel as relatively flat and more compatible with the project concept than the previously considered Saco Middle School site, which they said presented greater topographic and traffic challenges. Supporters said the Clare parcel would allow the district to design the building and site to meet long-term program needs without extensive sacrifices to the concept.

Next steps: staff were authorized to pursue appraisals, move forward with environmental and traffic studies, and prepare materials for the State Board of Education review later this winter.

The motion to recommend the Clare parcel passed unanimously.