Saco residents will have final say in June on school facility improvement funding

SACO — Saco residents will have the opportunity in June to weigh in on funding for improvements to two of the city’s schools.

The Saco School Department has been awarded just over $1.5 million in funding from the Maine Department of Education’s Revolving School Renovation Fund for improvements to Saco Middle School and Governor John Fairfield School. The proposed funding needs final approval through a city-wide referendum. Just over half, or about $771,000, would be funded through a grant, and would not have to be paid back. The remaining $756,000 would be an interest-free loan, paid back over ten years.

Last week, the City Council moved to approve a June 14 city-wide ballot question asking voters whether to approve the $1.5 million funding.

If the money is approved in June, it will go toward exterior door improvements at Governor John Fairfield and Saco Middle School, ADA bathroom renovations at Fairfield School and indoor air quality improvements at the SMS, according to an eligibility letter to Saco from Education Commissioner Pender Makin.

The Maine Department of Education's School Revolving Renovation Fund provides funding assistance to school administrative units to ensure that students have a safe, healthy and appropriate learning environment, according to the Maine Department of Education website.

More information on elections and voting in Saco can be found on the city’s website.

Publisher Liz Gotthelf can be reached at newsdesk@sacobaynews.com.