In February 2023, Cape Elizabeth’s School Building Advisory Committee (SBAC) took decisive steps forward in planning future school building projects. The month began with an organizational meeting, chaired by Superintendent Christopher Record and Town Manager Matthew Sturgis, where an agenda and Request for Quotations (RFQ) for an Owner’s Representative were established. Community involvement was strong, with 26 individuals applying to serve on the SBAC, and five members—David Andrews, Corinne Bell, Patrick Cotter, Michael Hussey, and Larry Benoit—being unanimously approved by both the Town Council and the School Board.
The committee held its inaugural assembly on February 16, signaling the start of an in-depth exploration into school building projects. Key discussions centered around the RFQ for an Owner’s Representative, essential for navigating construction projects from renovations to new builds of three schools in Cape Elizabeth. The RFQ initiative aligns with previously developed design plans and follows a failed school bond referendum in November 2022, necessitating thorough planning and community engagement to navigate future school building endeavors.
On February 27, a planning meeting was held to coordinate the committee’s approach and understand the RFQ’s depth. An outline for a March 2 presentation, detailing the journey from Needs Assessment to design options, was also developed. The SBAC established a schedule for upcoming meetings through to June, ensuring ongoing, systematic progress. The steps taken reflect the committee’s commitment to a clear and community-inclusive approach in steering Cape Elizabeth’s educational infrastructure development.
February 27, 2023 – Organizational Meeting: School Building Advisory Committee
February 16, 2023 – SBAC Meeting
February 2, 2023 – SBAC Organizational Meeting
