School Tours and Information Meeting on Monday

The public is encouraged to attend a public informational meeting to be held on Monday, March 23, 2009. Tours will be conducted from 4-6 p.m. at the High School followed by a public informational meeting at 6:00 p.m in the HS GYM focused on the facilities project and the 2005 NEASC report.

The School Department is proposing a late winter/early spring referendum vote for a $500,000 bond to fund the following services:

• New vs. Renovation Analysis to determine what the costs and benefits are of retaining and renovating the existing high school vs. replacing it with new construction;
• Program Development Review to determine most effective and efficient use of space for high school programs;
• Design Concept and Schematic Design including an abbreviated set of drawings and a budget for the full project prior to a referendum vote on the project;
• Survey of the site;
• Geotechnical Engineer, Soil scientist, Wildlife Biologist analysis and reports;
• Traffic Engineer analysis and recommendations, and
• Alternative Energy Sources analysis and recommendations (for LHS and PWS).

The Lisbon School Department applied in 1999 for a State-funded K-12 Major Capital Improvement Project. At that time, the State ranked our elementary schools as being in the greatest need and agreed to provide funding for Lisbon Community School which opened in 2004. Since that time, we have applied two additional times for a State-funded project to address the needs at Lisbon High School.

The most recent rating cycle in 2004-2005 placed the high school project at number 27on the State list of prioritized projects. The State funded 20 projects from the list and we were very optimistic about receiving funding in the next round due in 2007. The State postponed applications for new funding in 2007 and just recently announced that they do not intend to accept applications any time in the foreseeable future. The State had to delay funding for several of the current projects (from the 20 funded) by 6 months to a year. The State has also changed the rating formula and consolidation efforts may result in consolidated schools receiving a higher rating. As a result, we do not anticipate receiving State funds for a high school project.

Lisbon High School is an accredited high school. Accreditation assures students, parents, and colleges that “student needs are met through a quality educational program, that a vehicle exists to correct deficiencies in the school program, that their transfer credits will more likely be accepted should their family move, and that college representatives have the assurance of the quality of their preparation.” (Downloaded from http://cpss.neasc.org 12/5/08). College admissions offices report that it is a disadvantage not to come from an accredited school.

In Lisbon High School’s most recent re-accreditation visit report dated October 26, 2005, there were several concerns noted regarding the facility. These included an “antiquated heating system” among others. It is vital that Lisbon have a plan to address these facilities concerns before our 5 year report is due in 2010.