Boothbay region community members recently came together raising $2.5M for the Boothbay/Boothbay Harbor Community School District. The fundraising luncheon was hosted by local philanthropist, Paul Coulombe and longtime resident and business owner, Steve Malcom. Paul generously matched all pledges made doubling the investment from community members.

About his matching funds, Paul stated he has always felt that schools are the heart and soul of a community and a key component of a strong, healthy, and vibrant community. The support was broad reaching with pledges made by local business owners, year-round residents, seasonal residents, as well as from First National Bank. All recognizing the importance of investing in our schools, our children, and the future of education on the
peninsula.

Superintendent, Robert Kahler, spoke about the region’s community pride as well as the heart-warming success of the fundraiser stating, “To understand the depth of commitment to our students and the fierce pride in our
communities, you really have to experience it. In less than a month as Superintendent of Schools for AOS 98, in interaction after interaction, in schools, businesses, walking around town, and meet and greets, the depth of commitment to our schools and the fierce pride in community are evident everywhere I go. At a recent luncheon of potential donors, hosted by Steve Malcom and Paul Coulombe, I observed that same passion and commitment voiced over and over again from school administrators, newcomers to town, summer residents, businesses and families who have lived here for generations.

“Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of donors, the Boothbay and Boothbay Harbor Community School District and AOS 98 communities are in the enviable position of having the opportunity to pursue an in-depth study of our educational and community needs before ultimately deciding on the best course of action at the voting booth.”

In late June, the Boothbay-Boothbay Harbor CSD and Board of Trustees selected Lavalle Brensinger Architects for the CSD campus development project. The firm worked on the CSD master planning review. Under the direction of the building committee, the $2.5M funding raised will allow the study to continue to develop for further consideration by the Boothbay and Boothbay Harbor community. Funds will be spent in spent in several categories including Community Engagement, Site Investigations, Educational Planning Support, and Conceptual Design.

Elaborating on the next phases of the study, Lance Whitehead of Lavalle Brensinger said, “Community Engagement will include a robust plan to solicit input from Boothbay and Boothbay Harbor every step of the way through this process. This input will be used to assist the building committee in making decisions moving forward that are in alignment with public support and sentiment, and to ensure that any solution is truly a Community Based Solution. Site Investigations will include surveying, testing, planning, and permitting. Educational Planning Support will include assisting faculty, administration, students, citizens, and local businesses to further define the educational vision and curriculum of the Future of Boothbay/Boothbay Harbor. We have national experts in Curriculum Design and Strategic planning to help facilitate this work under the direction of the Superintendent and School Committees. Conceptual Design will allow Architects and Engineers to collaborate with the Building Committee, the Schools, and the Community to create a long-term sustainable  solution for the schools’ facilities. This effort will include building design, energy cost analysis, site planning, green design initiatives, permitting, construction costing, and detailed engineering to give citizens of Boothbay and Boothbay Harbor clear information to consider as part of a Community Vote for the preferred direction for the future of our schools and community.”

Superintendent Kahler further stated: “There will be multiple opportunities for people to provide input and to serve on various subcommittees throughout this planning and study process. More information on the process
will be posted and regularly updated on the school website soon. Should you have any questions or if you would like to donate toward this next phase of campus development, please contact my office at 207-633-2874.”