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)