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Colchester board approves placing $115 million facilities bond on Nov. 5 ballot
Summary
The Colchester School Board voted unanimously to put a proposed $115 million facilities bond on the Nov. 5 ballot and to mail the ballot language to all active voters, after a presentation showing aging buildings, safety and accessibility needs, and updated engineering reports.
The Colchester School Board voted unanimously Aug. 20 to place a proposed $115 million facilities bond on the Nov. 5, 2024, ballot and to mail the ballot language to all active voters.
Superintendent Amy Minor outlined the district's facilities needs, saying the review cycle and expert reports show that "most of the original infrastructure has outlived its useful life and is considered obsolete," citing problems such as lack of ADA accessibility, inadequate insulation and ventilation, and electrical and plumbing systems that need replacement. Board members said the proposal reflects years of study, community engagement and prior architectural and engineering work that resumed after the pandemic halted earlier plans.
Director Nic Longo, who moved the ballot language, said the district has been a low-spending district but that piecemeal repairs are no longer adequate and that doing the work as one large project will save taxpayers money in the long run. The board provided photos and summaries of traffic and septic studies and consultant findings used to shape the plan.
The proposed scope includes infrastructure updates across all five schools and significant renovation or additions at Union Memorial School, Porters Point School, and Colchester Middle School. The ballot language the board approved reads in part: "Shall the Colchester School Board incur bonded indebtedness for the purpose of districtwide facility renovations and improvements at $115 million dollars which is the estimated total project cost? The District is responsible for all costs incurred in connection with any borrowing."
Board members emphasized preserving neighborhood-school character while addressing safety and code requirements. Director Ben Yousey-Hindes, who moved to mail the ballot language to all active voters, said that while the bond is substantial, it would bring buildings up to basic code and create more space for teaching and student supports. The board voted 5-0 to place the question on the ballot and to mail the language to voters.
Next steps outlined by the board include continued community outreach such as a comprehensive website, videos, building tours, and on-demand presentations to inform voters before the November election.
