Dear Editor:

On April 24 we will be asked to vote on a referendum to spend $29,975,000 for the construction of a maintenance building, an addition and renovations on the elementary school. You may recall that a similar referendum was defeated by both towns in November 2023 – so what has changed?

Nothing.  In January, AOS98 Superintendent Kahler stated that the $30M option provides the best learning environment and is the most fiscally responsible approach. Not one trustee pushed back. There were lengthy discussions about the accelerated timing of this referendum. It was decided that speed was important. They didn’t want to “confuse” taxpayers given the upcoming school budget vote or another looming referendum to address high school maintenance needs. The administration and trustees want to get a “win” as quickly as possible.

No options were discussed, as Mr. Kahler knows best, and our trustees failed us all. 

The timeline for the $30M referendum puts new construction first so renovations start in 2026. The horrifyingly broken toilets that are so often referenced won’t actually get fixed until 2026! 

The citizens petition recently advertised in this paper provides choice for residents. The goal is to allow voters the opportunity to select what level of investment we want to make in our schools. Voters need a reasonable alternative so that the school can actually get fixed ASAP.

Vote no on April 24 – contact petition @commonsenseschools.me 

Patty Minerich 

Boothbay Harbor