RSU 23 board moves forward with state application, schedules public input on possible new school

Superintendent John Suttie told the RSU 23 board on Oct. 20 that the district will proceed with a state application and public hearings as it explores options for building a new school, and he outlined the timeline for the 2017–18 budget process.

The board met at Old Orchard Beach Town Hall. Suttie directed residents to the district website for the full budget-development schedule and said a joint meeting with the town council is planned to discuss building options. He said public hearings and opportunities for community input will be scheduled as part of the state-application process.

Suttie also requested 6 to 10 high-school parents to volunteer for the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) visit on Sunday, Nov. 13, from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m., asking interested parents to contact him. The request was presented as part of the superintendent’s report on priorities for the coming months.

Chair Carol Marcotte, who opened the meeting, praised district staff and administrators and noted this was her final term leading the board, offering best wishes to Old Orchard Beach students.

No formal decision on school construction was made at the meeting. The board recorded only that it will complete the state application and hold public hearings; next procedural steps (application filing dates, hearing dates, or any required town approvals) were not specified in the transcript.

The meeting proceeded to other agenda items including presentations on instructional supports and an action on administrative policies.