The State Board of Education on Wednesday unanimously approved the concept design for a new high school in School Administrative District 75.

Superintendent Brad Smith said the approval allows the district to proceed to a referendum. Voters in SAD 75 will have to approve the proposed the $60.3 million project in order for the project to move forward. 

According to the project budget submitted to the State Board of Education, the state is funding the majority of the project, approximately $53.5 million and the remaining $6.8 million will be borne by taxpayers in the four towns within SAD 75, and a portion through fundraising.

Tonight, the SAD 75 school board will consider scheduling the referendum on March 7, as well as scheduling a public hearing on the project prior to the referendum.

The school board is also slated to consider authorize Smith to execute a contract with Communication Design Associates to provide technology consultation services for the Mt. Ararat High School building project.

The board has a lengthy agenda tonight, which includes an overview of the Fiscal Year 2018 budget process.

The board of directors meeting will start at 6:30 p.m. at Mt. Ararat Middle School in the learning commons.