There will be no spring vote on a new Boothbay-Boothbay Harbor  Community School District building complex. On Jan. 25, the Building Exploratory Committee decided to delay a vote into the next fiscal year. School officials believe a fall election would likely bring more voters to the polls. The delay also allows committee members to create more options for voters. Superintendent Bob Kahler believes voters may have a choice of the current schematic design and a couple other options. On a separate referendum question, residents could also vote on an additional project such as an auditorium, according to Kahler.  

The committee is working on a schematic option which would construct a new high school, renovate Boothbay Region Elementary School and include a middle school addition. The proposed project has a $98 million estimated cost. School officials have a goal of raising half the project’s costs through private donations. The extended timeline allows school officials more fundraising opportunities. The committee also wants more time to assess additional project options.

The school charter is slated for legislative revision this spring. School officials believe a later referendum date would allow them to become more knowledgable about new school bonding guidelines spelled out in the new charter.

The BEC meets next at 5:15 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 22 in the high school library.