WESTBROOK – A proposed fundraiser that included alcohol being served on school grounds will not move forward.

Westbrook School District Superintendent Marc Gousse said that a department policy clearly states no alcohol can be served on school grounds, and without a policy change, no programs, even after-school-hours fundraisers, can provide drinks to patrons.

James Tranchemontagne, owner of the Frog & Turtle restaurant, said he still hoped something would happen with his proposal to cater a screening of The Band’s “The Last Waltz” documentary and provide a beer and wine cash bar, as a benefit for the Westbrook Performing Arts Center at the middle school. The liquor sales would offset the roughly $5,000 in food expenses, Tranchemontagne said.

“It’s one area that’s been underutilized and it’s an easy way to start generating some revenue,” said Tranchemontagne about the performing arts facility.

Gousse issued an official statement this week saying the center “is a school department facility therefore; the present policy prohibits this type of activity. The type of activity (sale/use and/or consumption of alcohol) recently proposed by a private Westbrook citizen as a potential revenue generating event was originally considered when the middle school project was planned, funded and implemented. At that time, it was determined this type of use would not be allowed; the present school department policy (as attached) reflects that determination. Serving alcohol in school facilities (regardless of student presence) is not aligned with school department policy, practice and guidelines. I do not support any proposal which allows the use, or sale, of alcohol at any school facility at any time for any purpose.”

Gousse said he spoke to Commissioner of Education Steven Bowen last week and reviewed the school’s policies on drug and alcohol use.

“The policy clearly says we can’t do it,” Gousse said. “I commend James Tranchemontagne for his innovative thinking, I hope we can continue to work together. Kudos to him for thinking outside the box.”

Jamie Grant, manager of the facility, said based on his projected numbers, the center will finish “moderately in the black” at the end of this fiscal year, but the money from Tranchemontagne’s fundraiser would have gone to importing bigger events instead of renting the space out.

Grant, the only staff member at the center, said the proposed budget for next year is $95,000. After Grant’s salary and benefits, approximately $27,000 is left to pay for additional staff – lighting, sound, stage hands, etc., and marketing.

The performing arts space was an expensive sell to voters in May 2007, costing $4.1 million not covered by state reimbursement when the Westbrook Middle School was built.

Its supporters touted the center as a classy, 1,000-seat venue for concerts, live performances, high school graduation and special events – like a smaller version of the Merrill Auditorium.

So far, the center has seen use, but from low-key renters like local dance studios and band productions. Westbrook High School hasn’t held its graduation inside the building, either.

Tranchemontagne and Gousse said they were willing to look at alternatives for a fundraiser.

“I’m always willing to look at other ideas, but it would be hard for me to recoup the cost,” Tranchemontagne said.

Jamie Grant, manager of the new Westbrook Performing Arts Center, stands in the Westbrook Middle School’s 1,000-seat auditorium.