Construction is now underway for a new consolidated middle school in South Portland. Over the course of two years, WBRC performed facilities assessments, site selection assistance, and concept development for South Portland School Department in response to deficiencies in its two aging middle schools. This work has resulted in plans for a new consolidated middle school for fifth through eighth grades which was approved by voter referendum in November 2019.
The process included facilities assessments, new vs. renovation analysis, site selection consultation, and concept development. This included several public meetings to share information, air concerns, and develop ideas. The site selection was overwhelmingly approved by local voters in a straw vote in Summer 2018, and the concept design was approved in Summer 2019.
Building the new school on the existing Memorial Middle School site will allow the school department to save significant site costs. The new school concept plans include separate wings for fifth- and sixth-graders and seventh- and eighth-graders, with shared space in the middle for a gym, cafeteria, and library. The school is designed to feel small and personal while offering students and educators a full range of resources – all in a flexible, sustainable building that meets today’s learning and safety standards.
The bond package South Portland voters passed in November 2019 included $69.3 million to fund the school project, with $59.2 million in state funding and the remaining $10 million to be raised locally.