Here’s the plan

The video below is the “flyover” of the proposed new schools complex, the actual buildings and layout of the grounds. If Question #2 passes, this campus will educate Saco’s young PreK - 5 children for decades to come. The location is just off U.S. Route 1, near the Millbrook Business Park, an area universally projected as home to Saco’s future growth. The State of Maine will pay for 72% of this construction. Take this “aerial tour” before you vote on June 11th !

For the students

Nobody disputes that Saco’s existing PreK-5 schools face unsolvable challenges. Those old buildings have served the City well for decades but are also way past their useful life. That was first apparent 20 years ago. The State of Maine is willing to pick up 72% of the cost to solve these pressing infrastructure challenges. Proposed:

State-of-the-Art Facilities

  • Up-to-date technology access in all classrooms

  • Unified arts spaces that allow flexibility for the future (STEM, robotics, vocational) 

  • Capacity for 12 classrooms per grade PK-K, and 11 classes per grade 1-5

  • Ability to expand footprint by up to 10 additional classrooms in the future

  • Indoor and outdoor cafeteria seating

  • Multiple outdoor spaces for learning and play (3 playgrounds, multi-use courtyard space, outdoor classroom, Eastern Trail access)

Increased Safety and Security

  • Accessible spaces for all students, including larger hallways, handicap-accessible bathrooms, and classrooms designed for all students with age-appropriate fixtures and features

  • Design and layout thoroughly reviewed by Maine School Safety Center

  • Cutting-edge entry and exit design to streamline visitor procedures and secure building during school hours

  • Designed for safe lockdowns and multiple exit paths for emergency evacuations 

  • Interior and exterior lighting designed to increase visibility and safety on-site

About the campus

Everyone agrees that Saco’s future growth will be to the north of the downtown center. It’s already happening, as anyone who has recently driven north on Route 1 toward Scarborough can report. The search for a suitable site was exhaustive and challenging, but city, school, and citizen leaders collaborated to find a solution.

Site Search

  • The site (off Portland Road, U.S. Rt. 1) meets the state requirement of 20 acres minimum, plus 1 acre for every 100 students. This was a key test to have the State of Maine foot 72% of the bill for construction

  • Site committee reviewed 6 sites for additional feasibility (electric, water, traffic, etc.)

  • Program committee considered 12 different options for elementary configuration of grade levels and buildings

  • Final recommendation was 2 buildings on one site to serve PK-K and 1-5 in separate buildings to leverage state funding while also locally solving building concerns for years to come 

  • Ability to house universal PreKindergarten for all Saco students

  • Coordination in curriculum resources and outdoor learning opportunities with PK-5 students all on a single campus

Site Characteristics/Benefits

  • More efficient transportation routes

  • All PK-5 students with same start and end time on same campus

  • Thorough review by 22 agencies (Department of Environmental Protection, Department of Transportation, Bureau of Public Lands, wetland survey, archeological survey, etc.). A 975-page report is available for public inspection

  • Capacity for leased solar to generate 75% of electricity

  • Year-round climate control through geothermal system (heating and cooling)