Biddeford Primary School hosted a groundbreaking ceremony last week to mark the beginning of a new expansion project.

Attended by students, staff, community members, and local officials, the event celebrated the beginning of construction on a long-awaited new wing, which will create a more stable academic environment and reduce transitions between schools for PreK-2 students.

The expansion will also create a nurturing environment where young learners can spend their first four formative years, Superintendent Jeremy Ray told the Courier.

“The groundbreaking marks the beginning of a new era in our community’s education,” Ray said. “It will foster stronger bonds between students, families, and educators.”

As part of the expansion project, Biddeford will close the John F. Kennedy School, which has served Biddeford students for 70 years, but is now in disrepair.

Closing the JFK School will provide long-term savings for taxpayers, Ray said.

“The school no longer meets the needs of our students and educators,” he said. “The necessary renovations to fix inefficiencies and adhere to safety regulations would cost an astounding $25 million.”

Through careful budgeting and the infusion of federal funds, Ray said the expansion project would save taxpayers significant money and have a net neutral impact on the school budget.

The project is being funded by a $9 million construction bond, which is estimated to save up to $16 million compared to renovating the JFK School.

“Not only does this project promise enhanced educational opportunities, but it also demonstrates our commitment to fiscal responsibility,” Ray said. “It offers long-term savings for taxpayers while providing a state-of-the-art facility that will serve Biddeford for generations to come.”

Approval of the project began last year, when the Biddeford City Council unanimously approved the $9 million bond that would fund the new wing.

At the time, Ray said it was important to move Kindergarten classrooms to BPS due to structural issues at JFK and a growing student population.

Last week, BPS Principal Margaret Pitts thanked the community for their support on the project, noting that the project “wouldn’t be possible” without feedback and contributions from students and staff.

“Their voices have been integral in shaping the design of this new wing, which will enhance the learning experience for years to come,” Pitts said.

Biddeford Mayor Martin Grohman thanked voters for approving the bond last November.

“We say ‘yes’ to projects like this,” Grohman said. “We say ‘yes’ to opportunity and optimism. Thank you to our community for saying ‘yes’.”

Construction of the expansion is expected to be completed by fall 2025.

“Today’s groundbreaking is not just about building more space,” Ray said last week. “It’s about building a brighter future for our students.”