SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION UPDATE

Our school projects are moving right along. At Saco Elementary School (grades 1-5), the interior gym walls are taking shape, and the courtyard area is visible from our second-floor classrooms. Crews are hard at work installing windows and temporary lighting to ensure work can continue as the weather gets colder. Next door, at the Primary School, the foundations are being poured. Interior roadways are starting to take shape, and our temporary bridge to the Eastern Trail is up. Check out our regularly updated videos on our YouTube channel!

We are building onwards and upwards! At Saco Elementary School, the second floor is up in one wing, with piping for radiant heat and cooling laid to connect to the geothermal heat. Over at Saco Primary School, foundation work continues. We have classrooms across the district with furniture samples installed to use with students (one at Young, one at Fairfield, and one at CK Burns). We look forward to hearing feedback from staff and students about furniture so that we are able to make thoughtful selections for our new schools. Want to see the progress for yourself? Check out our newly updated August video on our YouTube channel!

Progress continues at both school sites! At Saco Elementary School, crews are hard at work on the steel framing and masonry, while over at Saco Primary School, the foundation is being poured. Behind the scenes, the team is finalizing finish selections for the elementary gym and working out logistics for the fall installation of the pedestrian bridge over Mill Brook, which will connect both schools to the Eastern Trail. Want to see the progress for yourself? Check out our newly updated site video on our YouTube channel!

Our building project continues to progress in preparation for our new Primary School (PK-K) and Elementary School (grades 1-5). Saco administrators enjoyed a sunny walk on the site last Tuesday, watching the progress of the crane, "Big Red" placing steel beams near the stairwell of the first grade wing.

Progress is currently at about 23% completion and we look forward to continuing to see lots of landmarks as the warm weather continues.

Saco’s brand-new Primary and Elementary Schools are on target for completion in June 2028. The project is tracking at just under 18% complete, with concrete being poured every other day, underground electrical fully inspected, and geothermal well drilling actively underway. Steel delivery is expected in mid-May, after which you'll start to see the buildings really rise from the ground. For a bird's-eye view of all the action, check out our latest drone footage on Saco School’s YouTube — it's the best way to see just how much is happening on site!

Design decisions are bringing our spaces to life as well, with finish selections underway for the cafeteria, classrooms, main entry, and a beautiful health-inspired walkway through the library that will connect students to Maine's natural landscape. And we're proud to share that the Bobcat and footprint have been officially chosen as the symbol representing our schools going forward. More updates to come as we hit key milestones!

Work on the Saco Primary and Elementary School building project is moving forward on multiple fronts. Underground infrastructure work continues on the Elementary building in the first-grade classroom wing and into the basement, where crews are carefully managing naturally occurring ledge. Foundation footings are being poured this week, with walls scheduled to begin in the coming weeks. The team is also coordinating with environmental specialists ahead of the April 15th bat season start date to ensure all drilling and blasting activity meets the necessary requirements. On the site's eastern edge, planning is underway to connect the Eastern Trail and Route 1 sidewalk corridor, with the state DOT agreeing to incorporate portions of our site work into a larger paving project — a move that should improve quality and efficiency. The project team continues to manage erosion control measures along Mill Brook and is working to address an underground pipe issue near the drainage pond. As always, the team is keeping the project on track and will share updates as key milestones are reached.

As our new school takes shape, we want to hear from YOU! We are asking the community to help us choose the official Bobcat mascot image that will represent our schools for years to come. Please take a moment to review the preliminary candidate images and cast your vote through our survey — every voice matters, and we want this decision to reflect our whole community.

The Saco Primary and Elementary School building projects are full steam ahead despite winter weather challenges. With 30-35 workers on site daily, crews have been installing the critical underground infrastructure that will serve the new schools, including stormwater drainage systems, water lines, and geothermal wells for the building's energy-efficient heating and cooling system. The Eastern Trail connector pathway has been excavated, and topsoil is being carefully preserved for future landscaping. Recent work has focused on building the loop roads around the site and removing ledge in areas where it has been encountered. Foundation drilling operations have begun this month, marking an important milestone as the project advances toward building the foundations starting in March. The team is working diligently to complete ledge removal operations before April 15th. All work remains on schedule, with regular inspections confirming that erosion control and environmental protection measures are working effectively. Check out our most recent drone footage of the site in progress.

The Saco Primary and Elementary School building project continues to make steady progress through the winter months. Site preparation work has advanced significantly, with the stormwater management system in place and functioning effectively, the Eastern Trail connector pathway excavated, and topsoil carefully stockpiled for future landscaping. Recent work has focused on installing critical underground infrastructure, including stormwater pipes and waterline along the loop roads. All tree removal and site clearing work was completed in early January, and the project remains on track for well drilling to begin this month, followed by accelerated site work and foundations starting in March 2026. We look forward to welcoming students and families into both new school buildings in Fall 2028.

(L-R) Saco School Department’s New Elementary School Assistant Principal (Grades 1-5) Tom Partridge, Fairfield School student Caroline Libby, Fairfield School student Maris Posey, Young School student Nathan Smith, Young School student Olivea Desmarais, New Elementary School Principal (Grades 1-5) April Noble, Young School student Anna Broaddus, Fairfield School student Alex Hadiaris, New Primary School Principal (PreK-K) Wendy LeBlanc, Young School student Cameron Blunt, Fairfield School student Nathan Kupresanin, New Primary School Assistant Principal (PreK-K) J’Aime Walker, and New Elementary School Assistant Principal (Grades 1-5) Jeff Mears. Photo Credit: Maureen Grandmaison Photography

The Saco School Department and City of Saco marked a historic milestone on Thursday, December 4, 2025, as families, city officials, students, educators, and construction partners gathered for the official groundbreaking of its transformative new PreK–5 school campus, representing the long-awaited transformation of the district’s elementary learning environments.

Following more than two decades of planning, the community-backed bond and state funding—covering approximately 72% of the total $140 million project—have paved the way for this exciting initiative to move from vision to reality. The campus will consist of two new elementary schools on a shared site to serve all PreK through Grade 5 students in a unified and equitable setting.

“This project has been years in the making, and today’s groundbreaking represents far more than bricks and mortar—it’s about creating opportunity, equity, and excellence for every child in Saco” said Jeremy Ray, Superintendent of Schools. “Our students will learn in spaces designed to spark curiosity, collaboration, and creativity. They will thrive together in facilities built for their success.”

The new campus will feature two climate-controlled buildings– a primary building for PreK-Kindergarten students and an elementary building for grades 1-5 students– with flexible classroom spaces to adapt to evolving teaching methods, enhanced safety and security systems, a dedicated unified arts wing and expanded outdoor learning opportunities ensuring that every elementary student has access to the same high-quality facilities. The two buildings on one campus also allows our youngest learners to have fewer transitions providing more stability and our educators access to the resources and environment to inspire students.

A project of this scale requires strong leadership, and Superintendent Ray highlighted the administrators who will lead the new schools forward. The new Grades 1–5 Saco Elementary School will be led by current CK Burns School Principal April Noble, supported by Assistant Principals Jeff Mears and Tom Partridge. The new PreK–Kindergarten Saco Primary School will be led by current Fairfield School Principal Wendy LeBlanc, supported by Assistant Principal J’Aime Walker. These individuals provide strong instructional leadership, a collaborative spirit, and a dedication to student success that will help define the culture and identity of the schools. By naming these leaders early, administration is able to engage deeply in the design and preparation of the buildings, help shape the educational programs, collaborate with staff, and begin establishing the vision for each school.

City of Saco Mayor Jodi MacPhail added, “This major investment reflects the values of Saco’s families in our shared future when they supported the bond, and the state’s strong commitment when it covered more than $100 million of the cost. For twenty years, Saco has waited for this opportunity—and together, we are building a brighter future for every student who calls this city home.”

Assistant Superintendent Meg Parkhurst thanked the community for their support, the students and staff for providing feedback on the design, and the project architect for their work. Rob Tillotson, president and owner of Oak Point Associates, also spoke, sharing insight into the design process and expressing excitement about the project’s positive impact on the community and its students.

“As we build these schools for the future, we are also entering a transformative new era for the Saco School Department,” added Ray. “The construction of this PreK–5 campus will consolidate our current elementary schools—Young, Fairfield, C.K. Burns, and our dedicated PreK program—into one unified system. We honor the proud history of these schools, and we recognize the deep memories they hold for generations of families. But we also know that what we are creating here today will offer even greater opportunities, designed for the way students learn now and the way they will learn tomorrow.”

Following the ceremony, attendees gathered at Saco Public Works for light refreshments and community conversation about the construction timeline, projected opening dates, and the long-term vision for the campus. Construction is expected to be completed by Fall 2028, at which time a community-wide open house will be scheduled.

(L-R) Saco School Department’s Chief of Operations Chris Indorf, Superintendent of Schools Jeremy Ray, Assistant Superintendent Margaret Parkhurst,New Elementary School Principal (Grades 1-5) April Noble, and New Primary School Principal (PreK-K) Wendy LeBlanc. Photo Credit: Maureen Grandmaison Photography

(L-R) Saco School Department Assistant Superintendent Meg Parkhurst, City of Saco’s City Council member Jeffrey Onnen, Council Member Douglas Edwards, Superintendent of Schools Jeremy Ray, City of Saco Mayor Jodi MacPhail, Council Member Joshua D. Parks, Council Member Nathan D. Johnston, and Council Member Tricia Huot. Photo Credit: Maureen Grandmaison Photography

(L-R) Maine Department of Education Deputy Commissioner Megan Welter, Maine State Director of School Construction Programs Scott Brown, Saco Superintendent of Schools Jeremy Ray, Maine State Board of Education Chair Paulette Bonneau, Maine State Board of Education Member Ed Morin, and Assistant Superintendent Margaret Parkhurst. Photo Credit: Maureen Grandmaison Photography

It is certainly an exciting time for Saco! On Thursday, December 4th at 11am, we will be hosting our official groundbreaking ceremony for our two new schools. The event will celebrate the long-anticipated construction of our PreK-5 schools on one campus that will improve our educational facilities for students. This project will modernize our elementary schools, offering PreK-5 students an equitable learning environment, increased safety and security, increased access to outdoor learning, innovative unified arts, and flexible classroom spaces–all within climate-controlled buildings.

Due to limited parking and safety concerns along an active construction site, all participants will be shuttled to the groundbreaking location. If you would like to attend, please RSVP here and park at Saco Public Works at 15 Phillips Spring Road and board the school bus shuttle no later than 10:45am. Following the groundbreaking ceremony, all participants will be shuttled back to the Public Works Lot for a celebratory gathering, warm beverages, and light refreshments. Due to the uneven, possibly muddy, terrain and unpredictable weather in Maine, we ask everyone to come prepared with warm winter clothing and flat boots.

For 20 years, Saco has waited for this chance to redevelop our educational infrastructure. Thanks to the overwhelming bond approval by the Saco taxpayers and over $100 million (or 72% of the total project) funded by the State, that moment has come. Please join us as we continue to build a brighter future for our community.

Our projects for the Saco Primary School (PK-K) and the Saco Elementary School (Grades 1-5) are officially out to bid. Bids will be opened at 2pm on October 22nd at City Hall. We are beginning to plan for our groundbreaking ceremony the first week in December—stay tuned for details to follow. Our project continues to be on track for welcoming students from PreKindergarten through 5th grade to our new buildings in Fall 2028.

Our projects for the Saco Primary School (PK-K) and the Saco Elementary School (Grades 1-5) are officially out to bid. During the last week of August, Superintendent Ray had an opportunity to complete a site walk with interested contractors and Oak Point Associates. Look for details about a ground-breaking ceremony in mid-fall. Our project continues to be on track for welcoming students from PreKindergarten through 5th grade to our new buildings in Fall 2028.

We have hit another important milestone in our state construction process, with the State School Board approving the bid and final specifications for the state-funded Saco Elementary School project. At present, the project is out for bid with the intent to select a contractor early this fall. Look for details about a ground-breaking ceremony in mid-fall. These progress milestones put our project on track for welcoming students from PreKindergarten through 5th grade to our new buildings in Fall 2028.

Site Walk: June 9th from 3pm-5pm (off Mill Brook Road)

Planning for the construction of Saco Primary School (Pre-K/K) and Saco Elementary School (grades 1-5) continues to move along. We are looking forward to hosting a site walk of the property on Monday, June 9th, from 3pm-5pm, off Mill Brook Road. The initial tree clearing is completed, and we look forward to sharing renderings with staff and the community during our site walk. Additional landmarks are quickly approaching with State Construction Committee and State School Board meetings in Augusta early this summer. These meetings will finalize the project specifications before going to bid later this summer.

To provide additional feedback related to the building project, please complete this feedback form.

Construction planning continues for our two new schools: Saco Primary School (Pre-K/K) and Saco Elementary School (grades 1-5). Our Design Development Submission to the Department of Education on March 10th marked another important landmark in the project. Additionally, at the site of our new schools the initial clearing of trees is underway. We hope to be able to host school board members, councilors, and the public on the site as soon as the weather improves. Design features and specifications for the interior and exterior of the building continue to move forward.

To provide additional feedback related to the building project, please complete this feedback form.

Our New School Construction project continues to hit important landmarks for our two new schools: Saco Primary School (Pre-K/K) and Saco Elementary School (grades 1-5). Members of the City’s Planning Board and the public took a chilly site walk on the morning of February 11th to see areas of the property that would be a part of the first stage of tree cutting. A public hearing regarding the first stage of tree cutting took place on February 18th. Design features and specifications for the interior and exterior of the building continue to move forward.

To provide additional feedback related to the building project, please complete this feedback form.

Our New School Construction project continues to move forward for our two new schools: Saco Primary School (Pre-K/K) and Saco Elementary School (grades 1-5). In the past week, Saco Schools have worked collaboratively with both Saco City Council and Saco Planning Board to request planning fee waivers and ensure timely tree work has proper clearance. The planning board will be holding a Public Site Walk on Tuesday, February 11, 2025.

To provide additional feedback related to the building project, please complete this feedback form.

Our New School Construction project continues to move forward for our two new schools: Saco Primary School (Pre-K/K) and Saco Elementary School (grades 1-5). Our community-based Theme Team will conclude their work during our final meeting at 4pm on January 8th with a review of the key themes that will be represented in the design, featuring a heavy focus on the diverse natural habitats within Saco. The Primary School will draw inspiration from ocean habitats, with the space between the buildings and into the Elementary School featuring elements that draw on the Saco River and industrial downtown roots and the classroom wings featuring forest and meadow elements.

We continue to finalize kitchen design to ensure that the Primary School is well positioned to serve lunches in the classroom (no small feat with the number of students and the balance between long-term environmental impacts, efficient staffing, and scheduling of meals throughout the day).

In addition to fine-tuning interior design elements, exterior elements are in the final design phases as well. Outdoor spaces are a key feature of both schools, featuring three outdoor playgrounds, two enclosed courtyards, and one rooftop classroom. Feedback from students at CK Burns focused heavily on the design of the two main playgrounds at the Elementary Schools (see top concepts chosen below). Currently, the top five playground activities include soccer, spinners, swings, basketball, and the slide and the most requested items from surveying students included motion equipment and sports areas.

We appreciate all the input received from the Theme Team, CK Burns’ students, and those who have completed the online feedback form. To provide additional feedback related to the building project, please complete this feedback form.

Construction planning continues for our two new schools: Saco Primary School (Pre-K/K) and Saco Elementary School (grades 1-5). Our internal stakeholder groups continue to meet to refine interior designs and ensure that everything from technology to kitchen design aligns with our educational specifications. Our community-based Theme Team has met once already and will continue to inform key design elements to reflect important environmental and historical influences on the building.

Please email Assistant Superintendent Meg Parkhurst at maparkhurst@sacoschools.org if you are interested in participating in the Theme Team. For any other feedback related to the building project, please complete this feedback form.

Construction planning continues for our two new schools: Saco Primary School (Pre-K/K) and Saco Elementary School (grades 1-5). Students at CK Burns School had the opportunity to listen to a presentation with playground design ideas. Oak Point Project Manager and Landscape Designers were onsite to share some of the options, with students providing feedback to inform the structures and elements that will eventually be a part of the final design.

In addition to our student feedback, we have met with several different stakeholder groups to discuss design needs for specific spaces within each building (nurses, office staff, facilities, and librarians). Ongoing meetings will help to inform building design and furniture selection. We are still looking for additional community participants who may be interested in joining our Theme Team, which will work across 2-3 meetings to discuss important elements in Saco and how those may influence interior and exterior themes in each of our buildings.

Please email Assistant Superintendent, Meg Parkhurst, maparkhurst@sacoschools.org if you are interested in participating in the Theme Team. For any other feedback related to the building project, please complete this feedback form.

Our PK-K and grades 1-5 school construction process continues to move forward. There are three exciting opportunities that are currently in the works. First, our CK Burns students will participate in a process to provide feedback on playground equipment and design. Concurrently, there will be two different groups providing feedback to our architects. One group will be focused on educators, tasked with reviewing classroom design and instructional space ideas, while a group of community stakeholders will work together to brainstorm themes regarding the history and highlights of Saco that may inform design within the building. In addition to these collaborative meetings, we continue to move forward with required intersection improvements and mechanical specifications in preparation for putting the project out to bid.

If you are interested in participating as a community member, or have specific feedback, please complete this feedback form.

As we prepare for the two new state-of-the-art school buildings, we’re pleased to share the School Board approved leadership assignments for our new schools.

Saco Elementary School (Grades 1-5)

• Principal: April Noble
• Assistant Principal: Jeff Mears
• Assistant Principal: Tom Patridge

Saco Primary School (PK-K)

• Principal: Wendy LeBlanc
• Assistant Principal: J'aime Walker

These appointments are being announced well in advance to ensure proper planning and a smooth transition to our new facilities. Additional information regarding other positions in each building will be shared by the close of the 24-25 school year.

Our appointed leaders will play crucial roles in:

• Contributing to building design and functionality decisions
• Developing educational programs
• Building their school teams
• Engaging with our school community

Additional information regarding these appointments can be found in the memo shared publicly at this week's school board meeting.

Following the overwhelming support of voters in June, the school construction process continues to move forward. With 72% of the funding coming from the state, this is a tremendous step forward for our youth. This funding means modern, safe, and inspiring learning environments where our children can thrive and reach their full potential. At present, we are working on specifications for offsite improvements, planning for needed permits, and continued refinement of designs. We look forward to sharing additional updates as the project moves forward.

Thank you for supporting the education of our youth. Together, we are investing in a brighter future for all our students!

On September 11, 2024, the School Board officially dedicated the soon-to-be driveway leading to our new schools as Beth Johnston Way in honor of one of our district’s most dedicated and long-serving members.

Beth Johnston has been a steadfast member of the School Board for an impressive 20 years. In that time, she worked with nine superintendents (myself included) and navigated through countless challenges, from budget negotiations to major district decisions, including the withdrawal from RSU 23. Through it all, she has maintained a clear and focused vision: improving the education and opportunities for every student in Saco.

During the meeting, we unveiled the new street name as a surprise to Beth. The moment was marked by a standing ovation from the audience, and we were all moved by her emotional response. Beth, who was visibly humbled, expressed her gratitude for the recognition but emphasized that she has always believed in the work we do together.

Naming the access driveway Beth Johnston Way is more than a tribute to her decades of service. It serves as a model for our students and community, reminding us all of the importance of giving back. Beth’s dedication goes beyond meetings and policies—it reflects her deep love and care for the future of our schools and the young minds they nurture.

Saco has an important vote coming up next Tuesday, June 11th. Question 1 is the school budget, and question 2 is the new school construction referendum. In accordance with State funding guidelines, a minimum of 889 individuals must cast their vote (the June election average is around 300), so it is critical to cast your vote. Therefore, we are asking all eligible voters to please plan to vote at Thornton Academy on Tuesday, June 11th between 7am-8pm.

We encourage all eligible voters to familiarize themselves with the details of the proposal so they can make an informed decision before casting their votes. For more information about question 2, visit info-on-2.com

For 20 years, Saco has waited for the chance to redevelop our educational infrastructure. Now, with over $100 million approved by the state for school construction, that moment has come! With 72% of the funding coming from the state, this isn't just about bricks and mortar—it's about building a brighter future for our kids.

On June 11, 2024, all voters will have the opportunity to weigh in on the future of our schools. The outcome will impact the next 75 years of education for Saco students. This plan includes the construction of two new schools, providing a massive boost to our educational system. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

For more information visit bit.ly/newsacoschools

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.

Absentee voting in Saco begins May 13, and in-person voting is June 11. Info about Saco Schools: www.sacoschools.org.

On April 10, 2024, the concept and budget have been approved by the State Board of Education and have been put before the Saco City Council for a first reading. A public referendum vote will occur on June 11, 2024. Below are the Top 4 Impacts of the new PreK-5 schools.

Our state construction process continues to move forward. At our recent joint meeting with the School Board and City Council, board members and councilors reviewed the language and timing to work toward the June referendum vote. In June, voters will get an opportunity to weigh in on accepting the state funds for a grades 1-5 school and a locally funded PreK-K building.

Community members will have a chance to learn more about the interior and exterior planning of the building during the Concept Straw Poll on March 26th. The evening will begin at 6pm with an opportunity to view key visuals and ask questions of District Administrators and Oak Point Architects, a formal presentation will begin at 6:30pm, and the evening will end with a straw poll vote at 7pm. We hope you can join us to vote and learn more about the project. A link to the agenda is here: https://trst.in/FHicUl

*Please note our previous February date for the straw poll will be rescheduled for March (Date TBD).

Thank you to the community members who were able to attend our straw poll for site selection on December 14th at Saco Middle School. The evening began with Saco Middle School students providing tours of the upgrades to the school, including a fully renovated library and cafeteria, updated furniture in all classrooms, and painting throughout the building. Over 40 attendees joined together in the cafeteria for a presentation, a question and answer period, and finally, a straw poll.

As was shared in the presentation, the selected site is located on Route 1 north, off of Mill Brook Road. The site is the proposed new home of one locally-funded PK-K building and one state-funded grades 1-5 building. The new site was overwhelmingly supported by attendees, with 35 in favor, five (5) opposed, and four (4) abstentions. Following the straw poll, Saco Schools gained the unanimous support of the State Board of Education’s Construction Committee during their meeting on December 29, 2023. Community members will have a chance to learn more about the interior and exterior planning of the building as we move to concept approval with our next public meeting slated for Tuesday, February 27th, 6pm at Saco Middle School. We hope to see you there!

The final components of our site application to the State Department of Education are complete. This includes all updated traffic engineering studies. On December 5th, a meeting was held with area business owners and residents to provide updates on the building project. A straw poll for site selection will be held at Saco Middle School on December 14th at 6pm. This will include a tour of the several upgrades at Saco Middle School including library and cafeteria renovation, painting, and furniture. We hope you will join us on December 14th to listen to project updates, ask questions, and vote on site selection. Straw poll results will be brought to the State Construction Board, followed by concept approval locally and at the state board, and ultimately to a referendum on the ballot in Saco.

Our school construction process continues to move forward. Traffic engineering studies and discussions with Architects and Maine Department of Transportation continue. In September, we shared updated plans with all elementary staff members as well as sharing with the public during a joint City Council and School Board meeting. The next steps in the process will be to complete our community straw polls, site and concept application to State Board of Education, and a public referendum vote on the projects. Feel free to provide feedback here.

On August 9th, Saco’s School Board meeting included an updated presentation from Oak Point (see minute 23). Traffic permitting and evaluations have continued throughout the summer with ongoing meetings between the Department of Transportation, the Department of Education, and the contracted services for analysis of current and future traffic impacts. Additionally, we have continued to refine indoor floor layouts and model exterior building designs. In September, we will be meeting with teachers to continue to explore needs for each building and schedule additional public meetings to share progress.

Our project continues to move full steam ahead, including meetings with the Department of Transportation and the Department of Education. On April 25, we were able to share our first draft floor plans of the proposed state and local school construction projects. Check out the details on slides 9-11 of the public presentation. While we are still targeting a November referendum, there are multiple steps that need to be completed with challenges along the way. Please provide feedback or review updates on our School Construction Page.

Thank you to the members of the public that were able to attend our fifth public meeting on April 25th at City Hall. We were happy to be able to share floor plans of the proposed buildings as well as additional information about the site layout.

Our project continues to move full steam ahead, including meetings with Saco’s Planning Development Review Committee on March 21st, regular meetings with the Maine Department of Education, pre-scoping meetings with the Department of Transportation, and an initial meeting with the Department of Environmental Protection. On April 4th, Saco School Department will participate in a workshop with the planning board. While we are still targeting a November referendum, there are multiple steps that need to be completed with challenges along the way. The most recent presentation slides (or audio with slides) shows an overview of the project.

On Tuesday, March 2nd, we hosted approximately 40 people in person and 17 online at to learn more about the progress for Saco's school construction projects. Many important details regarding the timeline, various site assessments, and next steps were discussed. You can watch a video of just the presentation (coming soon), the full recording of the meeting, or view the slides.

Saco School Department held its fourth public meeting to outline our progress for the future planning of Saco’s schools. The meeting focused on Saco School Department continues to work with architects and designers to ensure that the Educational Specifications approved by the Saco School Board on December 11, 2022 are utilized in the various aspects of building design. A team of administrators was able to make a visit to a new school construction project in New Hampshire to learn more about the design process and gather additional ideas for design and construction. A final land appraisal, a DOT Traffic Study, Wetland Studies, Environmental Assessments, and Boundry Surveys are wrapping up. Look for continued updates at school board meetings and a public meeting focused on the construction project in March.

Please provide feedback or review updates on our School Construction Page.

As we continue to progress in the state funded school construction process, we are hosting our 4th public meeting to review site approval and updated plans for school construction. An in person public meeting is scheduled for this Thursday, March 2nd at 6:00 pm in the cafeteria at Saco Middle School. This will be an opportunity to discuss the options and hear from the community.

If you are unable to attend and still have questions please visit the Question & Answer form.

Saco School Department continues to work with architects and designers to ensure that the Educational Specifications approved by the Saco School Board on December 11, 2022 are utilized in the various aspects of building design. A team of administrators was able to make a visit to a new
school construction project in New Hampshire to learn more about the design process and gather additional ideas for design and construction. A final land appraisal, a DOT Traffic Study, Wetland Studies, Environmental Assessments, and Boundary Surveys are wrapping up. Look for continued updates at school board meetings and a public meeting focused on the construction project in March.

Educational Specifications were approved unanimously by the school board on December 14, 2022. The document highlights the needs for the community in response to set questions posed by the Department of Education.

Additional assessment and surveys of the Clair parcels are underway, including work with the Department of Transportation and two appraisals of the land. We have solidified two appraisal companies, and we hope by early January we will have the report. In conjunction with our legal team
at Drummond Woodsum, we have begun the process of drafting a purchase option for the property. The Saco School Department Team, in conjunction with Oak Point Associates, have continued to meet with the DOE to keep them up to date. The next step is to look at space allocations within the
schools. All of these items must be completed in preparation for a straw poll, when members of the public will have an opportunity to get updated information and participate in a vote to move forward with the site.

As shared at the School Board Meeting on October 12, 2022, the Clair parcels were recommended by the three committees with 26 committee members in favor and 1 against the sites located on Route 1 (approximately 840-850 Portland Rd). The school board voted unanimously to
recommend the Clair site for the school construction project. The next steps are to obtain two appraisals for the portion of the land that is not already city-owned, as well as additional studies to include environmental testing and a traffic study.

At the Saco School Board meeting on October 12, 2022, the board voted 7-0 in favor of moving forward with the Clair parcels on Route 1 as the preferred school construction site. Additional details regarding the property selection can be found in the school board’s memo, State Construction Project Property Selection. Next steps will include full environmental testing, appraisal of the portion of the land privately owned, and working with the Department of Education to move towards a public straw poll for site selection.

Oakpoint Associates shared specific details regarding each site during the
August 16, 2022 site selection team meeting. The site selection team is moving forward with the number two site, located near the intersection of Route 1 and Industrial Park Road.

As shared at the School Board Meetings on August 10, 2022 and August 24, 2022, the preferred school construction site, currently owned by Sweetser, has been voted down by the Sweetser board. The site selection team met on August 16, 2022 and is moving forward with the number two site for additional consideration.

Vernal Pool testing is underway. The sites being considered and grade level configuration options are summarized in this visual. A public meeting is scheduled for May 24th at 6:00pm at Saco Middle School. This will be an opportunity to discuss the options and hear from the community.