Maine School Administrative District 17 directors prepare Monday evening for a public hearing at Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School in Paris on its decision to close Agnes Gray Elementary School in West Paris. From left are Directors Donna Marshall of West Paris, Gay De Hart of Oxford, Vice Chairwoman Kitty Winship of Waterford and Chairman Troy Ripley of Paris, and Superintendent Heather Manchester. Nicole Carter/Advertiser Democrat

PARIS – Monday evening brought more than 30 West Paris taxpayers to Maine School Administrative District 17’s public hearing about permanently closing Agnes Gray Elementary School.

The hearing, a required procedural step by the Maine Department of Education when a school district seeks to close a facility, was the final chance for residents to question SAD 17’s school board and administration on the school’s decline and future.

Next, on May 14 a referendum will be presented to voters to decide whether to accept the district’s decision to close Agnes Gray, or be wholly responsible for the expense to operate it independently.

If residents choose to maintain elementary school independence, they will be expected to pay more than $1 million dollars every school year and be on the hook for millions of dollars in repairs and improvements.

As at least one member of the public pointed out, the wording of the referendum question is anything but clear.

“Do you favor authorizing the School Board of Maine School Administrative District No. 17 to close Agnes Gray Elementary School?” is the first part of the ballot question.

A “yes” vote authorizes the SAD 17 to close the school. A “no” vote would result in Agnes Gray reopening to instruction.

If more no votes than yes votes are tallied, then the town of West Paris will have to pay to operate the school.

The second sentence of the referendum question reads: “The additional cost of keeping the school open has been estimated by the School Board of Maine Administrative District No. 17 to be $1,040,672.43.”

However, the statement is not an accurate representation of the costs to keep Agnes Gray open.

The $1.04 million figure is based on SAD 17’s most recent audited fiscal year, 2023, and adjusted for inflation.

It is the estimated cost to operate the elementary school for one academic year.

The cost of repairing Agnes Gray to the point it could reopen is not included in the figure.

The current estimate for that stands at $4-6 million. It was provided by the architectural firm that inspected all of SAD 17’s elementary schools back in 2023, Lavallee Brensinger.

Lavallee Brensinger’s proposal and estimate would address Agnes Gray’s structural degradation – roof replacement, rebuilding all regular and emergency access stairs and ramps, and replacing its beyond end-of-life heating and plumbing systems, among other infrastructure in need of maintenance.

The multi-million-dollar price tag includes updated building code compliance for which the 130-year-old school is grandfathered – egress windows, fire suppression and Americans with Disabilities Act installations.

Points about meeting modern vs. grandfathered codes have been raised numerous times since Agnes Gray was closed in February of last year, with residents regularly asking officials since then how kids could be allowed to attend the old school for years and suddenly one day – months after it was inspected – it was no longer safe.

The repair estimate also includes improvements that are standard in new schools but not required, such as $300,000 for an on-demand power generator.

If West Paris votes to keep Agnes Gray open, it will take months and more likely years to carry out the necessary repairs.

The town would be responsible for the expense, but SAD 17 would control construction planning, collecting and awarding competitive bids and would manage the overall process.

At least some residents have indicated that local contractors would be willing to provide discounted or volunteer services as a reinvestment into the community.

SAD 17’s seven other communities would eventually see a slight financial benefit if West Paris votes to reopen Agnes Gray, as the district would have 115 or so fewer elementary students to educate and require fewer teachers.

Middle and high school aged students would continue to attend Oxford Hills Middle and Oxford Hills Comprehensive High schools.

The referendum on Agnes Gray’s future will be held Wednesday at West Paris Town Office at 25 Kingsbury Street. Polls will be open from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m.

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