Scarborough’s school overhaul is officially on the ballot for November.

With unanimous Town Council approval last week, two questions will appear before residents. If approved, construction of a new building is estimated to be complete by 2028.

“It’s wonderful to be in this place,” said Shannon Lindstrom, School Board chair. “We had a failed referendum two years ago, and the School Board and Town Council really came together … Hopefully we’ll get something passed that will benefit our community, our students and our staff.”

The first question, if approved, would allow the town to borrow $129.85 million to demolish and rebuild Eight Corners School, as well as add one-story additions to Blue Point and Pleasant Hill schools to replace portable classrooms. The project would also include $3.6 million in additions to Wentworth and $28.65 million in improvements to the middle school, enough to meet capacity needs for current enrollment. The improvements are estimated to cost the average taxpayer $400 per year.

The new Eight Corners School would serve 380 students, Blue Point School would serve 232 students and Pleasant Hill would serve 224 students after the overhauls. The changes are estimated to increase primary school capacity within the town by 194 students, on par with Scarborough Public School’s projection of an increase of almost 200 K-2 students in the next five years.

“This is work that is long overdue,” said Town Council Chair April Sither. “I hope that the community will join me in voting yes in November.”

The second question, which can only be voted on if the first question is approved, would authorize $10 million to build a second story on the addition to Scarborough Middle School to accommodate the expected growth.

Voters can decide whether they want to be proactive and address an impact that is not yet realized. “It would provide us with enough space for what we project in the future,” Lindstrom said.

This recommendation was the brainchild of the School Building Advisory Committee — a coalition of about 50 community members who met for two years, discussing the challenges facing the district and ultimately reaching a consensus.

“This is a solution that was developed by the community for the community, and that’s really pretty empowering,” Lindstrom said. “It reflects the values of Scarborough. It reflects what’s important to residents.”

To the School Building Advisory Committee, it was important to keep costs as low as possible while meeting the district’s needs. Based on community forums, surveys and conversations, the committee determined that $130 million was the price ceiling. The final proposal cost about $17 million less than the alternative option — a consolidated K-2 school on a new site.

Until the election in November, the members of the SBAC will continue to educate the community about the project and why they think it’s needed in Scarborough, tabling at school events and hosting Q&A sessions.