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Specific Issues with the Current School:
The main school building was constructed in 1973 as an open-classroom design with three large multi-purpose areas. Over the years, these three large open areas have been divided and added onto numerous times to make up many smaller classrooms, administrative offices, a library, a learning center and a guidance office. The middle school, art room and music room are now located in a separate portable classroom adjacent to the school. This mobile facility was added as a temporary solution to space needs when it was leased in 1995, now more than 11 years ago.
All these necessary reconfigurations and fixes have resulted in a rabbit warren of cramped, noisy, poorly heated and improperly ventilated learning spaces. Science and technology projects are severely limited because of safety factors and limited space. The heavily used library has limited collections and resources -- primarily because of space constraints. There are too few bathrooms in the school, the existing restrooms are cramped, and none meet handicap-accessible codes. Without a kitchen facility, cafeteria area or common space, students eat in the hallway or at their desks. There is not a space large enough for the entire school community to gather.
The gymnasium (also known as the "Community Building"), now close to 50 years old, is rented by the school from the town and is nearly two miles from the school. Students of all ages must be bused to physical education classes and sports practices. The gym does not meet the Maine Principals' Association regulation size standards, which prevents North Haven teams from hosting home playoff games. The current gymnasium lacks both proper locker room spaces and public bathrooms and the building has a concrete floor and an inefficient and poorly operating ventilation and heating system, often leading to a slick and treacherous playing surface.
The school building was originally constructed in 1973 to residential standards and yet it has been subjected to near industrial use. Heavy wear has resulted in sloping floors and new floor columns have been recently introduced. The aging roof is in need of a complete overhaul in order to handle winter snow loads. The presence of encapsulated asbestos in the ceilings is a serious ongoing health concern, and despite annual inspections conducted to ensure safety, a long-term abatement solution is required. Rodent and mold issues, not to mention a completely insufficient and unreliable heating and ventilation system, are also of serious and immediate concern. Some rooms remain cool, while others are stuffy and overheated. Many classroom spaces receive no daylight in winter months, and furnace exhaust and air quality problems are becoming a health issue for students and faculty.
It doesn't take long for any visitor to recognize that North Haven's cramped facilities would be considered insufficient and inadequate in most mainland communities. The need for a new space is clear.