King PTO

Public Invited to Meeting about Portland’s New Elementary School

A public meeting about plans for the new Ocean Avenue elementary school in Portland will be held on March 3 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the East End Community School.

Architects will present site drawings and a concept design for the building, to be located on the site of the former Baxter Elementary School. Portland residents will be able to participate in a straw poll about the plans.

The Maine Board of Education is scheduled to vote on March 12 about whether to provide state funding for the Ocean Avenue school. Community-wide support for the project is a key consideration.

“We cannot afford to lose this opportunity to secure state funding and ease the burden on city taxpayers,” said John Coyne, chair of the Portland School Committee. “The new building will be designed to save energy. We will be able to allocate our limited maintenance funds to other Portland schools.”

“The Ocean Avenue school will replace a 19^th century building with one designed for 21^st century teaching and learning,” said Portland Interim Superintendent Jeanne Whynot-Vickers. “Nestled in a residential neighborhood, the school will serve as a hub for community activities. It will help attract families and businesses to our city.”

All those participating in the straw poll on March 3 must show proof of Portland residency. For more information, please call 874-8100.

Portland Public Schools

196 Allen Avenue

Portland, Maine 04103

Contact: Jeanne Whynot-Vickers

whynoj@portlandschools.org

(207) 874-8100