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The Evolution of A School Plan: 1993 - Summer 2005
Since 1993, community, faculty and school board committees have grappled with issues of space within the school as well as the expanding needs of a vibrant school program, increased expectations resulting from state and federal education mandates, voter anxiety over increased taxes, lack of eligibility for state funds and a growing awareness of the economic and environmental fragility of the island community.
Renovation Considered and Rejected
In the late 1990s significant consideration was given as to how to renovate the school to meet both building issues and space needs. A site and building review was conducted by two engineering groups, Pinkham and Greer Engineering Consultants and Whitney Engineering, and one architect, Harriman and Associates. Based on their thorough recommendations many community members questioned the cost effectiveness of both renovating and expanding the current facility. People also questioned where students would go to school while the building was being renovated.
In 1999, after considerable community debate, the town voted down a renovation and expansion plan for the current facility. Many residents strongly urged the school board to investigate a more thorough and comprehensive long-term solution.
Building Plans Debated
In 2000, after an interview and review process by a community committee, the school board hired Steven Blatt Architects to work with the board, the staff and the entire community to develop a comprehensive plan for a new facility. The firm was selected because of its extensive work designing quality Maine schools.
The school board endorsed the architects' recommendation to construct a new energy efficient building, oriented to the south and making extensive use of natural daylight, with reasonable operating costs. The school board also authorized the architect to work with school personnel and community members to develop this school design for a cost efficient, environmentally-friendly new school that would maintain the intimacy of the present community school.
On March 6, 2003, the school board presented an initial plan for a 28,000-square-foot facility for town approval. The plan was perceived as too large and was stalled by a tied town vote. Over the next year, school leaders regrouped to consider appropriate revisions.
Following the failed town vote much community input was received regarding plans for a new school. Many options were raised and debated, from sending the students to Vinalhaven to again considering renovation to shrinking the size of the new planned school. Finally it was agreed that a new, smaller school was the best option.
A New School is Approved
By January 2004, Steven Blatt Architects had redesigned the project to be a 24,300-square-foot, one-story building behind the current school, utilizing additional acreage given to the school by Richard and Janet Witherspoon. This design was approved by the town on January 14, 2004, as part of a town referendum to approve the future allocation of $1.9 million in tax assessments (to be paid over 20 years through a Maine Bond Bank note), pending the successful solicitation of $5.6 million in private funds to meet the remainder of the project need.