The Boothbay-Boothbay Harbor Community School District trustees on April 5 discussed items on a possible loan that would take a petition and voter approval.

Items discussed were the replacement of the Boothbay Region High School roof, the roof exhaust fan for BRHS's science room, the Boothbay Region Elementary School fire panel update, a security camera upgrade for both schools, and a new pre-k to first grade playground.

Kevin Anthony said he and fellow trustee Ronnie Campbell investigated the 62-year-old roof and discovered that, in addition to needing replacement, it would likely need more architectural support.

“If you just jump on it, there’s quite a bit of flexion which indicated to us it wasn’t nearly as strong as it ought to be,” said Anthony.

Anthony said he was concerned if the roof is insulated, the snow will not melt at the same rapid rate it always has and the resulting extra weight could be too much for the roof to handle.

Chair Chris Buchanan said, though the work wouldn’t likely begin until next summer, this is something they would address before even touching the roof to make sure the risks are known.

As the trustees moved from item to item, they agreed the projects are vital to the integrity of the schools’ structure and curriculum.

“We don’t really have a choice on the fire panel,” Buchanan said, explaining the elementary school building is not up to fire code and the system is not communicating well with the existing fire panel.

The need for further upgrades to the security camera system was an observation of the trustees, and BRHS Principal Dan Welch and BRES Assistant Principal Tricia Campbell. The administrators have noticed some issues day to day.

The trustees also asked Campbell to speak on ideas for new playgrounds, a topic she brings up at meetings.

“I had just asked last time that when we’re considering things to keep in mind ... the school playgrounds (are) a shortcoming in terms of our campus,” said Campbell.

The Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) has been researching playgrounds and costs, said Campbell. The PTO suggested two playgrounds – one for pre-kindergarten through first grade, and the other for second grade and up.

Campbell said the costs for the first playground could be anywhere from $21,000 to $38,000 while the second playground could be anywhere from $57,000 to $114,000. She said they would not have to be built at the same time. The project could be done in two stages, she said.

The trustees decided to add $30,000 for the first playground onto the possible loan.

Alternative Organizational Structure (AOS) 98 Interim Superintendent Bob Webster said based on the CSD's charter, the trustees will provide each town with a written notice within eight days. After the publication of a notice to the towns, residents will have 15 days to gather 300 signatures of registered voters requesting a referendum vote on the trustees’ approval. There must be a minimum of 100 signatures each from Boothbay and Boothbay Harbor.

The costs for each project are: $84,523 for the roof; $7,970 for the fan; $82,388 for the fire panel; $45,000 for the security upgrade; and $30,000 for the playground. The total loan of $250,000 would have 3.5 percent interest for 10 years. The trustees also plan to refinance current debt from 3.75 percent to 3.5 percent, lowering yearly payments by $953.04 and yearly interest by $844.49.

Trustees voted to adopt a plant operations and maintenance budget of $1,331,983.46 and to hire Facilities and Transportation Director Dave Benner for a term starting July 1 and ending June 30, 2021.

The trustees meet next at 5:15 p.m. Wednesday, May 2 in the BRHS library.