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RSU 25 says CTE bond partially funds welding ventilation but denies robotic arm
Summary
RSU 25 learned Sept. 17 that the district’s $166,000 CTE Bond application was only partially funded: the board was notified the district will likely receive $135,000 for a weld abatement (ventilation) system but not the requested robotic welding arm; full bond approval depends on Ellsworth’s bond issuance and final DOE award, with funds not expected until May 2025.
The communications staff member reported at the Sept. 17 meeting of the RSU 25 School Board that the district’s combined $166,000 application to the state CTE bond program was ranked highly but only partially funded. “We did not receive the money for the robotic welding arm; we did receive the money for the weld abatement system,” the communications staff member said.
If finalized, the approved item — a weld abatement system estimated at about $135,000 — would address an existing ventilation/replacement need for the district’s satellite welding program operated in partnership with HTC. The communications staff member said the robotic arm was viewed by the DOE reviewers as “above and beyond what we needed to meet current industry standards,” a rationale that the speaker said they disputed.
Why the district applied through Ellsworth and HTC. RSU 25 staff described the application as a joint effort: because the district’s welding program operates as a satellite of HTC, the superintendent of Ellsworth submitted the application on behalf of the partnership. The board was told the CTE bond pool is forgivable and that, even with a favorable ranking, Ellsworth must approve taking out the bond before the district can receive funds.
Timing and next steps. The communications staff member said final DOE award paperwork and local approvals must be completed and that, if all goes forward, the district would not receive funds until May 2025. The board flagged an operational caveat: the approved weld abatement system would legally belong to HTC’s facility if the regional center built a new campus in future, potentially affecting long‑term district ownership.
What the board agreed to do. The item was presented as an update rather than a final action; board members discussed working with Ellsworth officials and HTC to complete the required local approvals and to file the final DOE application.
What remains unclear. The communications staff member provided dollar amounts and timing but did not identify the precise terms under which HTC might retain installed equipment if it relocates; board members said they would continue those conversations with Ellsworth and with HTC representatives.
The board moved on to other agenda items; the CTE bond update was presented as information rather than a binding vote.
Next step: district staff will continue coordinating with Ellsworth and HTC and, if local approvals proceed, submit final paperwork to the Department of Education for disbursement in spring 2025.
