What is the purpose of the SBAC?
The SBAC is a joint ad hoc advisory committee of the School Board and the Town Council, formed in March 2023. Its mission is to create a strategic, cost-effective plan to address the school building needs of Cape Elizabeth following the rejection of a $116 million school bond referendum in November 2022. The SBAC’s work is focused on thorough assessment, comprehensive community outreach, and the development of a plan that serves the needs of students, educators, families, and the community.
When were the district’s schools constructed and renovated?
Cape Elizabeth’s school buildings have histories stretching back to 1934, with various renovations and expansions over the decades since. See the following presentation for more details.
How does the condition of Cape Elizabeth schools compare to neighboring districts?
The condition of Cape Elizabeth schools varies, with some facilities facing more challenges than others. Compared to neighboring districts, our schools have unique needs and conditions, which the SBAC is carefully evaluating.
For more information, please see this presentation on the state of our schools (URL)
What was the bond proposal that was included on the November 2022 ballot?
The November 2022 bond proposal sought funding for a new construction to replace Pond Cove Elementary and Cape Elizabeth Middle School.
On Monday, August 22, 2022 the Town Council authorized the expenditure of up to $115,943,324 to design, construct, and equip a new elementary school and a new middle school, and to renovate the high school with a vote of 4-3. Councilors. Cape Elizabeth residents subsequently voted against the School Bond by 3,817 votes to 2,337 votes in support.
What is the SBAC’s timeline for making a design recommendation to the board and town council?
The SBAC expects to make a recommendation to the school board and town council sometime in April 2024.
If another bond election is scheduled, when will it be held?
The SBAC, School Board, and Town Council are targeting a November 2024 referendum. This timeline allows for thorough planning, community engagement, and the development of a proposal that reflects the district’s needs and community preferences.
How is the district considering the learning needs of students as part of the facilities planning?
The district is prioritizing student learning needs in its facilities planning. This includes ensuring that school environments are conducive to modern educational practices, addressing technological advancements, and creating spaces that support a variety of learning styles and activities.
How are community members able to share input into the SBAC process?
Community members can share input through public forums, surveys, and direct communication with the SBAC (URL). The committee is committed to transparency and wide-spread community engagement throughout this process, and encourages active participation from all community stakeholders.
How will information about the facilities process be shared with community members?
Information will be shared through regular updates on the district’s website, community meetings, email newsletters, press releases posted in the Cape Courier, and social media. The SBAC is dedicated to keeping the community informed and engaged throughout the process.
What are the latest student enrollment projections?
See more information on student enrollment projections here:
https://www.capeelizabethsbac.com/2023/11/16/updated-cape-elizabeth-student-enrollment-projections/
Brief summary: A significant finding in the latest report is the projected change in enrollments over the next few years. The report predicts an increase of 28 students in Grades K-4, a rise of 20 students in Grades 5-8, and a decrease of 73 students in Grades 9-12 as current students advance through the system. These projections are vital for understanding the shifts in school capacity needs and preparing for future infrastructure requirements.
Looking further out, the report projects a longer term enrollment increase of up to 8.6% over the coming decade. The reason provided to the committee by the NESDEC was the following: “In early November 2023, the State of Maine released their birth data and there is an increase for Birth Year 2022 for your district, which has an impact on SY 2027-28 and beyond. The birth number increased from 59 to 74.”