GORHAM – Amid looming layoffs and budget woes, the University of Southern Maine is planning to renovate two aging buildings on its Gorham campus

For the fiscal year beginning on July 1, the university has developed a $139 million budget, up $1 million from the present $138 million spending plan, according to Robert Caswell, university spokesman.

But layoffs are expected as $5 million in the budget is being shifted to cover $1.2 million in scholarships, $1.5 million in deferred maintenance and $2.6 for estimated increases for compensation and benefits.

“It definitely will lead to personnel layoffs,” Caswell said about the $5 million shift. “We’re not going to fill some vacant positions.”

Caswell declined comment on any specific personnel job losses until the number is “locked down” and the people notified.

However, the university’s campus newspaper, The Free Press, posted on its website on April 8 that the position of Steve Bizub, a lecturer in music education, will be cut at the end of the semester, leaving the program with one professor. Bizub did not return American Journal messages on Wednesday seeking comment.

At the same time, plans are moving forward to renovate Russell Hall, which was built in 1931, along with a house and barn at 51 College Ave., on the Gorham campus.

“These are both very small projects,” Caswell said.

Caswell said renovations at Russell Hall would cost well under $100,000.

The university has advertised for bids on both projects. Russell Hall, which has an auditorium, houses the university’s theater department. The auditorium has less than 150 seats. Caswell said the project involves upgrades of electrical and ventilation systems in an area where props are prepared, and minor work in the basement.

An advertisement says work in Russell Hall would include selective demolition, suspended acoustical ceilings, gypsum wallboard, carpentry, plumbing, electrical, painting and finishes.

Neither Will Kilroy nor Thomas Power of the theater department returned calls for comment on the renovation plans.

The offices for the arts, humanities and social sciences departments are located in a former house at 51 College Ave. The attached barn is to be renovated to serve as storage for the theater department and Caswell didn’t have an estimated figure for that job.

In January, Theodora Kalikow, the president of the University of Southern Maine, told Gorham officials and business people about a possible renewed effort to build an auditorium on the Gorham campus.

She said there was a need for a 500-seat facility on campus that would enhance the university’s involvement in the community.

“We need to entice people not to schlep into Portland,” Kalikow said.

Caswell described Kalikow’s proposal as a multi-purpose facility on the Gorham campus to serve needs of the music, fine and performing arts programs, as well as lectures.

This week, Caswell said that project is still years away.

On the Gorham campus of the University of Southern Maine, Russell Hall will be undergoing some renovations. 
Staff photo by Robert Lowell