Much-needed upgrades can now take place in Fort Kent’s elementary and high schools thanks to about $1.18 million in funding through the state’s School Revolving Renovation Fund program.
Voters from the five MSAD 27 towns approved a separate ballot question on June 9 to authorize the school board to secure the money for seven total projects at Fort Kent Elementary School and Fort Kent Community High School.
The funding comes from the Maine Department of Education and will address health and safety compliance improvements at the two schools, both of which are more than half a century old. The district will only need to repay 30% of the project cost.
“The project costs (up to $1,177,096) have been approved for funding through Maine’s [School Revolving Renovation Fund] program,” MSAD 27 Superintendent Ben Sirois said Monday. “Of this amount, the district will receive approximately 70% (up to $823,967) that will be forgiven, and approximately 30% (up to $353,129) that the district will repay at zero percent interest over a term of 10 years.”
The Maine Municipal Bond Bank administers the fund as a partnership between the state and local school districts, according to the department of education. Districts receive loans for projects, but only pay 30%. The rest of the money is considered a grant.
Residents of all five district towns — Fort Kent, New Canada, St. Francis, St. John and Wallagrass — voted in favor. A total of 1,080 votes were cast, with 795 in favor and 269 against, and 16 voters left the question blank.
The upgrades will include fuel storage tank replacements, a life safety fire alarm, security fencing and various accessibility upgrades.
The work could begin as early as next week, Sirois said.
The bulk of the funding will go toward five projects at Fort Kent Community High School. The largest project, removing a fuel tank, is estimated to cost $457,002.
Three projects will address Americans With Disabilities Act compliance. Those include bathroom improvements, making the entrance accessible and installing a chair lift. These plans have estimated price tags of $130,988, $127,016, and $119,300, respectively.
Another project at the high school, estimated to cost $19,327, will install smoke and fire alarms in the school’s attic space.
The high school was originally built in 1949. It received additions in 1956, 1964 and 1969.
The funding will also address two projects at Fort Kent Elementary School, which was built in 1969. A total of $228,805 will cover fuel tank removal and $94,658 will improve security with new fencing.
Superintendent Ben Sirois commended district head custodian Benny Nadeau for his attention to detail and his work in advancing the projects.