High School Project Update
August 15, 2015
M.S.A.D. No. 75 is hosting four public meetings regarding the project to renovate or replace Mt. Ararat High School.  The meetings will include a presentation of the status of the project and an open forum to be held four times at the following locations. Please come to any one of these events.

• Sept. 17th, 6 - 7:30 PM   Bowdoin at Bowdoin Central School

• Sept. 22nd, 6 - 7:30 PM  Harpswell at Harpswell Community Schoo

• Sept.  23rd, 6 - 7:30 PM    Bowdoinham at Bowdoinham Community School

• Sept. 30th, 6 - 7:30 PM   Topsham at Mt. Ararat High School

 
A recommendation from the architect will be provided based upon the analysis of the current structure and site.  That recommendation will be reviewed by the Building Committee and shared with the Maine Department of Education. 
 
The “New vs. Reno Analysis” is Step 5 in process developed by the State of Maine. 
This 21 Step process includes two “Straw Votes” of the public.  The first Straw Vote (Step 6) focuses on the site of the project.  The second Straw Vote, (Step 12) includes the building concept.  If both straw votes are positive, a Referendum is held. This would likely occur late Fall of 2016.  Throughout the process, there are key steps, including four different approvals by the State Board of Education. 
 
We encourage the public to attend one of these four meetings.  Input from the public is critical to the success of the project, and will be reviewed by the Building Committee and architectural firm.  PDT, our architectural firm, has conducted a thorough analysis of both the current structure, and the present location of the high school.  The initial reports have included the location of vernal pools, which impact potential locations of the project. The architects and Building Committee are presently evaluating possible plans to keep the High School on the present campus.