Education has continually evolved to address the needs of society at various points in history. In the 1880s, a one-room schoolhouse sufficed because the primary educational goals were geared towards agriculture, factory work, and small business. College preparation was limited to a select few. 

Multiple architects, engineers, and the town’s Owner’s Representative have identified numerous critical building needs and barriers to education. The cost of addressing these issues through renovation (~$78 million at last estimate) is almost as high as building a new school and lasts significantly less time before requiring additional investments.

Our current facilities' maintenance costs are increasing yearly due to their age and design. Our mechanical systems are outdated, past their useful life, excessively loud, and inefficient. Finding replacement parts is a challenge for our school budget. There are over two dozen roofs at the current CEMS/PC building. In some areas, when it rains, it drips into the classrooms and hallways, with swim tiles used to absorb the moisture above the ceiling tiles.

Enrollment has leveled in recent years. Enrollment is projected to increase in 2027 – even before the new middle school would open its doors to students and teachers. Other qualitative and quantitative considerations underscore the dangers of undersizing a school project.

The Town Council recently shared a preliminary report of estimated tax increases should the school bond referendum pass in June. Inside, you'll find guidance to find information for your property.

The proposed new Middle School’s floor plan showcases a design that not only enhances educational experience but also comprehensively addresses safety and security.

Schools serve as the heartbeat of the community, shaping young minds, forging connections, and fostering growth. In Cape Elizabeth, our schools have been a source of pride for generations, and it’s time to make a lasting investment in our children, our community, and our future.

The town-wide revaluation aims to ensure a fair distribution of the tax burden among Cape Elizabeth property owners based on the current value of their properties.

On July 1, 2024, the School Board voted unanimously in support of the $89.95 million “Middle Ground” building project for Cape Elizabeth schools. This compromise solution is the culmination of over 106 public meetings and creates a 10-year plan to address all of the critical facility and educational needs of our students.

On July 8, 2024, Town Council Chair Tim Reiniger publicly undercut the Middle Ground project and the work that went into it, by throwing a $42 million curveball into the mix. Learn more about the problems this 11th-hour request causes.

On May 21, 2024, the School Board hosted a workshop in the Cape Elizabeth Middle School library to review the School Building Advisory Committee’s (SBAC) work and recommendations related to the school building project.

The cafetorium controls the academic schedule for both Pond Cove Elementary and Cape Elizabeth Middle School. It lacks space, is dark, is unwelcoming, has poor acoustics, and overall does not serve either school well as a cafeteria or as an auditorium.

As a result of numerous studies, committees, and architect reports in 2012, 2019, and 2023, we know Cape Elizabeth’s schools are nearing the end of their useful life. Failing roofs, heating systems a decade beyond their intended use, the building envelope, and other structural challenges, all point to the need for a significant, thoughtful investment in our school buildings… and soon.

Cape Elizabeth’s school nurse’s office is hindered by a lack of privacy, inadequate exam rooms, inability to separate contagious and non-contagious students, inadequate storage, absence of natural light and outdoor air ventilation, difficult ambulance access, and lack of proximity to all students.

Cape Elizabeth Parents, Senior Citizens, Community Leaders, and Students urge a YES vote on the School Bond. This historic Vote on November 8th would rebuild old, outdated, unsafe, and inaccessible elementary and middle schools.

78% of our current classrooms are too small for the needs of modern education. They were built during a time when students faced the teacher at a blackboard for the vast majority of the day