FREEPORT

Of the 100 or more people who attended Wednesday night’s public hearing on the proposed 20-year, $14.6 million Freeport High School renovation bond, about half indicated by a show of hands they had not witnessed any of the presentations made by architect Lyndon Keck.

Regional School Unit 5 began making its public case more than a year ago, with Keck making several such presentations.

Whether this newfound interest in the proposal amounts to added support remains to be seen. RSU 5 goes to the voters of Durham, Freeport and Pownal once again on the plan on Nov. 5.

Wednesday’s hearing began with a video supporting the renovation titled “Renovate Freeport High School. Now is the time!”

Katherine Breer, spokeswoman for the renovation committee said the most glaring need in the proposed renovation is a 1968 industrial arts building that “is in such poor condition that the only option is to tear it down,” she said.

Keck concurred. “The industrial arts section is the most poorly-designed in the school,” he said.

Keck also revealed relevant statistics that reflect the Freeport-based district as one of few that actually is growing in numbers.

Enrollment at the high school has increased an average of 20 students per year in the past three years, he said, and is expected to grow from 500 to 660 students in the next 10 years.

The proposal also would address traffic issues and repair the grass fields. The bus dropoff and pickup/loading deck would be relocated to the rear of the building.

A companion 10-year bond would allocate $1.7 million for a turf athletic field.

The $14.6 million package is $580,000 less than the proposal voters defeated in June. But RSU 5 still must convince residents of Durham and Pownal to go along with it. The estimated cost per $1,000 in property taxes would be $38.82 in Freeport, $50.41 in Pownal and $55.94 in Durham.

While RSU 5 is advocating for the enlargement and improvements at the high school, Freeport residents have gathered signatures to force a vote on withdrawal from the RSU.

As the RSU explains it, the bonds “only authorize the RSU board to spend the money. They don’t require that the money be spent.” If Freeport residents vote to withdraw, the bonds would not be issued and no money spent; approving bonds now means work can begin immediately if Freeport votes not to withdraw.

lgrard@timesrecord.com