Homecoming was last week, but a group of alums returned Boothbay Region High School Oct. 11 for a very different purpose. Town officials from Boothbay and Boothbay Harbor took a guided tour of the building to see its condition before the Nov. 7 referendum vote to fund a $60 million new high school.  

Selectmen from both towns, as well as the two town managers, took the tour led by Community School District Board (CSD) of Trustees Chair Steve Lorrain. Alternative Organizational Structure (AOS) 98 Superintendent Robert Kahler and project architect Joe Britton also helped lead the group. 

Town officials approached the CSD to discuss the 1956 building’s issues, and Lorrain suggested they see them firsthand.  

“A lot of them went to school here, so they already know what the problems are,” Lorrain said. “A lot of them weren't even born when the place was built, so (my goal was) just pointing out that age does have an effect on things.” 

The tour covered needed repairs including cracked walls and the building’s envelope. Guides also discussed other issues including improving the security of the entrance, bringing several areas up to code and improving safety. 

Kahler and Lorrain also talked about how students currently use spaces. The group crowded into the school’s weight room, cramped by bulky workout equipment and an unexplained toy pedal car. Many students go to the YMCA instead, taking advantage of free memberships. Town officials also saw the former cafeteria that has been converted into a maker’s space. Now, students eat in several places across campus.  

Boothbay Harbor Selectman Alyssa Allen commented that when she went to school she knew every other student, partly because they all ate together. Now a parent, she said the kids do not know one another. She finds that sad. 

Some of the clearest issues were in the shop classroom. According to school officials, a door to the outside exit does not meet code due to a potential tripping hazard and an electric transformer lies behind a locked door labeled “DANGER OF DEATH/KEEP OFF.” 

Kahler told the Register the school is safe and would not have students or staff in it otherwise. 

According to Britton, some of the issues were not as bad as they seem. He pointed to cracks in the cinder block wall by a stairwell that runs tens of feet up. According to him, the cracks have been professionally inspected and were not yet a cause for concern; however, he said their underlying causes need to be understood.  

Many of the town officials had gone to the school and did not express shock at the state of the building. They expressed concern about some of the conditions. However, they had more questions about the taxpayer burden of the project and what assurance the district and architect could give that similar problems would not arise in a new school.  

Boothbay Selectman Steven Lewis said the project comes with a big price tag, and he is concerned for the people on fixed incomes. However, he said he was torn because he and his kids went to BRHS.  

“... The last thing you want to do is see a school go away. That's not even a possibility as far as I'm concerned. So, got to do something,” he said.

Responding to emailed questions, BRHS Principal Tricia Campbell said: “The BRHS building absolutely needs updating and addressing. We have reviewed the issues, specifically with the entrance to the high school and needs for updating and repairing the design and concerns they create regarding student and staff safety. Safety is a number one priority. (Director of Facilities Dave Benner and Director of Safety and Security Kyle Canada) have been working with the CSD Board of Trustees on updates and plans – regardless of the vote on Nov. 7 they will (be) moving forward on designs to address the BRHS front entrance. The hope is that work can begin this summer.”

Boothbay Selectman Charles Cunningham encouraged voters with questions to talk to the CSD school board, board of trustees and superintendent's office. He and Lewis both said the issue was ultimately up to voters.  

“It's a lot of money, that's the problem,” said Lewis. “In a perfect world, you'd love to have a new school. I just don't know. It's up to the taxpayers, really.” 

As the CSD is ramping up efforts to inform the public about the project, Lorrain said he was happy to hear the officials’ questions and welcomes more interaction.  

“That's an opportunity for discussion, an opportunity to make the project better,” he said. “So, any of this kind of stuff is expected for a public project, and it should be encouraged and welcomed, and we hope to see more of it.”

For more information, a filmed tour of the high school will be shown twice at Harbor Theater Oct. 17, followed by a Q&A with the building committee. The film is also available online from Boothbay Region TV.