SAD 3 plans groundbreaking for new school

Kennebec Journal, March 15, 2007

(excerpt) The board tentatively decided to forgo two of three additional projects, or bid alternates, related to the construction. All of the projects would be locally funded and increase the overall cost of the school, which would require another referendum for approval, Mosseau said.

Fencing around the athletic fields and extra classroom storage cabinets can be added at a later date and will probably be dropped from the list of bid alternates, Mosseau said. The fencing would cost $36,000 and the storage cabinets $54,000, she said.

The board is leaning toward seeking approval for a sidewalk snow melt system. The system would cost an additional $38,500, but would be more expensive to add after construction.

Research indicates that sidewalk snow melt systems save wear and tear on buildings because salt and sand are not needed, Mosseau said.

"They're not tracking salt, sand and grit into the hallways," Mosseau said.

The snow melt system would be fed by the wood chip-fired boiler. The boiler, which will heat the school, will have enough hot water to heat the sidewalk, Mosseau said.