Oyster River School District presents $9.827 million elementary expansion proposal to Durham Council

Dr. Robert Shaps, superintendent of the Oyster River Cooperative School District, gave the Town Council an update on the district's FY2026-27 budget process and outlined a proposed capital bond not to exceed $9,827,000 to fund an elementary expansion and renovation project.

Shaps said the project would add six classrooms at Moharimet for a net increase of four classrooms districtwide and expand the Mast Way cafeteria by roughly 20 percent, adding room for about 40 additional students. The district previously secured $560,000 for engineering and schematic design and completed the project scope in the fall. Shaps said the district plans a 10-year borrowing period and that Year 1 of the borrowing would be an interest‑only payment; if voters approve the bond in March, the district would begin construction in June and aim to finish in September 2027.

Shaps said the district has built contingencies into the $9.8 million estimate because of construction cost uncertainty related to tariffs and rising prices. He said the district reduced the original proposed budget by about $1 million through operational and staffing adjustments and that the operating budget is up $1.9 million (3.45 percent) overall. Special warrants for voters will include new contracts for paraeducators, nutrition workers, clerical and custodial staff, and a $125,000 warrant for future capital repairs.

Councilors asked about enrollment forecasts and the apportionment of costs among Durham, Lee and Madbury; Shaps said he would provide specific enrollment breakdowns and the cooperative agreement apportionment formula to the Council. He noted that the district is mindful of taxpayer impact while balancing required programmatic and safety investments.