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RSU 38 board approves application to seek about $100,000 in NBRC funds to build CDL driving range at high school
Summary
The RSU 38 School Board voted to authorize a pre-application to the Northern Border Regional Commission for roughly $100,000 to build a full-size CDL driving range at the high school, aimed at expanding a new CDL program and improving safety and training capacity.
The RSU 38 School Board voted unanimously to authorize a pre-application to the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) seeking roughly $100,000 to construct a full-size commercial driver’s license (CDL) driving range at the high school.
The board acted after a presentation by a district presenter, Steve, who said the current CDL training space is shared at the district bus garage and is frequently unavailable when buses are moving, limiting training hours and capacity. "We have an opportunity to potentially get enough money about $100,000 to move forward with the construction of a range here at the high school," Steve said, explaining the proposed site would be expanded to about 200 feet by 200 feet, require significant drainage work, and allow the program to run two vehicles simultaneously rather than one.
Why it matters: Board members said expanding the range would double training capacity (from about three classes a year to four) and reduce safety conflicts with bus traffic. Steve said the adult education program would provide a 50% local match for the project. He described employer demand for CDL-trained graduates and cited recent program successes, including a student team that placed first at an external truck-driving competition.
Process and next steps: Steve told the board the district would file a nine-page pre-application by Friday and would likely learn by Sept. 20 whether it is eligible to submit a full application; full acceptance would be determined later in October if invited. Board member Brian moved approval of the grant submission; the motion passed unanimously by show of hands.
Financial and scope clarifications: Steve characterized the NBRC request and the estimated construction costs as approximate; the presenter repeatedly described the figure as about $100,000. The board did not adopt a final construction budget at the meeting and will return with detailed budget information if the NBRC invites a full proposal.
What the vote accomplished: The board’s approval authorizes the district to submit the NBRC pre-application and, if invited, to prepare further budget details for a formal grant submission. No construction contract was awarded at this meeting.
