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Aging Schools Statewide:
More than half of Maine’s schools were built in the 1950s–70s, with 72
still in use from before 1950, leaving many outdated, unsafe and poorly
suited for modern education. -
Massive Funding Gap:
A state commission found that 500 of Maine’s 600 schools will need
replacement within 20 years, at an estimated cost of $11 billion — far
beyond current funding levels. -
Priority List Limits:
Districts apply to the state’s construction program, but only a handful
of schools get funded each cycle (9 out of 74 last round, with fewer
than 10 likely this year out of 95 applicants). -
Deferred Maintenance Worsens Costs:
Many schools patch problems with expensive short-term fixes, often
relying on portable classrooms, while waiting years for potential
funding. -
Safety and Accessibility Risks:
Schools like Loranger Memorial and Houlton Elementary face outdated
boilers, fire hazards, ADA compliance issues, and layouts unsuited for
modern safety and special-needs requirements. -
Taxpayer Burden and Resistance:
Some communities (like Brunswick and Cape Elizabeth) approved
self-funded school bonds, but many others reject them, making local
solutions uneven and difficult. -
Future Solutions Under Review:
Maine’s commission is considering options such as stable renovation
funds, cost-sharing with districts, and incentives for school
consolidation — though consolidation remains unpopular with many
families.
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