According to SAD 46 Superintendent Kevin Jordan, residents in SAD 46 voted overwhelmingly this summer to locate the new K-8 school on the Fern Road in Dexter. Since that time, he said, dozens of residents have been serving on various committees providing valuable input into what they would like to see incorporated into the new school. Local school officials have also been meeting with state officials to discuss these visions. Earlier this month, the state construction team approved the educational specifications and programming documents for the new school. Approval on the concept plan is pending, he said.

In conjunction with the new school project, committees were also formed to discuss what to do with the Garland Elementary School, the Exeter School and the Dexter Primary-Middle School and if a pre-kindergarten program should be offered at the new school. Work on these two committees is on-going, Jordan said.

Those involved with the project believe that along with providing an energy efficient complex, the new building will improve security, parking, and traffic circulation for district students, teachers, and parents. Other assets will be: modern classrooms and labs; up-to-date library and technology services; facilities for art and music; new sports fields; a stage for performing arts; and a gymnasium with a seating capacity of 350. The two-story school will incorporate the "neighborhood school" design concept with separate primary and middle school learning centers and entrances, Jordan said.

A straw vote on the final Concept Design of the school will be held later this year, followed by a referendum vote in February 2007 to proceed with the project. Construction would start on the new school in early 2008, with a fall 2009 completion date. The cost to construct and furnish this school is estimated to be $29+ million with the vast majority of the cost borne by the state, Jordan said. Every effort is being made to limit the impact on local tax dollars, he said.

More information on the new school project is available by calling the SAD 46 Superintendent's Office at 924-5262. Information is also posted at the Technology Office next to Tillson's on Main Street in Dexter and at: www.newschoolproject.info.