BIDDEFORD — With a heavy voter turnout, close to 57 percent, residents overwhelmingly supported the $34 million Biddeford High School referendum bond.
The vote was 4,573 in favor of the bond’s passage versus 2,686 against.
There was a fear among supporters that voters would not approve a bond that would, on average, add about 93 cents to the tax rate ”“ especially in the current economic climate.
However, said Superintendent of Schools Sarah-Jane Poli, after the last tour and information session on the bond held Oct. 28 at the high school, she and others felt positive about the outcome.
“I’m very happy,” said Poli from her office this morning.
Biddeford High School Principal Britton Wolfe said there was jubilation at the high school this morning.
“I believe that this high school project is a historic turn for the city,” said Wolfe. “It’s an important part of the city’s revitalization. It’s about reinventing Biddeford in the new century.”
No time will be wasted now that the vote is in.
“Starting tomorrow, (the architects) will start the detail plans,” for the renovation, said Poli.
Construction will start in August or September of next year and the school is scheduled to re-open in the fall of 2012, said Poli.
Immediate plans call for finding portable classrooms to house students during the two year construction and figuring out how to schedule students.
“This occurred because of a lot of people doing a lot of work,” said Poli, including parents, students and staff.
Biddeford High School was built in 1961, with a major addition constructed in 1971.
Some of the major elements of the renovation include a new, two-story addition that will include a secure entry-way and new administration offices on the first floor and a library on the second floor; changes that will bring the building up to current life safety and building codes; make it compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act; and make the building more energy efficient.
This afternoon at 1:40 p.m., at the Brother Hebert Field across the street from Biddeford High School, there will be a celebration assembly and the Victory Bell will be rung. Mayor Joanne Twomey and Superintendent of Schools Poli are expected to attend, said Wolfe.
— Staff Writer Dina Mendros can be contacted at 282-1535, Ext. 324 or dmendros@journaltribune.com.
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