SACO, Maine - May 10, 2024 - The Saco City Council voted unanimously last week to place a referendum question about new schools on the June 11 ballot, and now the school department has launched an informational website about the referendum question: www.Info-On-2.com.
The site features a “virtual flyover” video that shows the new buildings and campus in remarkable detail, plus extensive information about the project and its cost. Superintendent Jeremy Ray said it’s the school department’s responsibility to provide comprehensive and accurate information to the community so that voters can make an informed decision about the proposal, planned for the northeast section of the city, just off the Portland Road (U.S. Route 1).
“We hope voters inform themselves about the plan and the referendum question before they cast their vote,” Ray said.
Question #2 asks voters’ approval of a bond that would allow Saco to benefit from $101 million in state funding to help consolidate the City’s school infrastructure and pay for badly needed construction that has been long-delayed. Saco’s share of the total project cost is only 28%, with the State of Maine having agreed to pick up the lion’s share, 72% of the required funding. Neighboring school systems have recently examined school construction proposals costing taxpayers $80 million, $100 million, and $160 million. In contrast, Saco’s agreement with the State allows the City to cap its financial contribution at about $39 million.