10 Smart Reasons to ✅ VOTE YES on the Cape Elizabeth School Bond
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.
1. Vote YES because… it creates a smart long-term financial plan.
Our school campus is aging rapidly, with maintenance and utility costs soaring. The middle school averages 64 years old with some sections of the building dating back to 1934. Such aging infrastructure is costly to maintain and inefficient to operate.
In addition to the rising cost of upkeep, buildings constructed in the 30s, 40s, 50s, and 60s cannot be easily remodeled for the modern age. Many of the walls are load-bearing and cannot be reconfigured to create more classroom space or improve the layout of the building.
The truth is, all three of our school buildings are approaching the end of their life, and investing in one new school today sets our community up well for the future because it resets the clock on one building.
Think of it like paying off a car loan. Once you’ve paid it off, you no longer have that monthly payment, freeing up funds to start your next project, like new siding on your house or even saving for another car. Similarly, by investing in one school building now, the town sets itself up to tackle the next major infrastructure project in 15+ years.
2. Vote YES because… education has changed in the last 65 years.
The landscape of education has evolved significantly over the past six decades. Today’s classrooms require flexible spaces that cater to collaborative learning, critical thinking, and creativity — places where students pair up or solve challenges in small groups. It also means alternative career-readiness learning spaces, like hands-on STEAM labs where students can practice robotics and coding.
By investing in our school infrastructure, we are not only addressing operational shortcomings but also ensuring that our students are provided with modern learning environments that prepare them for 21st-century workplaces. This bond is an opportunity for Cape Elizabeth to embrace current educational standards and practices, a benefit for our students and the broader community.
3. Vote YES because… modern building layouts enhance both efficiency and safety in educational environments.
Cape Elizabeth Middle School, built in 1934 and modified over decades, now suffers from outdated design issues that complicate student supervision, increase opportunities for bullying, and hinder emergency responses.
Modern buildings, with their open layouts and strategically designed common areas, improve visibility for staff, streamline traffic flow between classes, and foster student collaboration.
These contemporary designs also incorporate advanced safety features, such as secure entry points, clearly marked emergency exits, and separation from public areas like performance spaces and the gymnasium), creating a safer environment for students and staff.
The reduction in building footprint and unusable hallway space not only contributes to a safer learning environment but also reduces energy costs. Investing in a modern infrastructure will make our school more energy-efficient, creating a better environment for students while reducing operational expenses.
4. Vote YES because… our disabled students deserve access to appropriately designed support spaces.
When President Gerald Ford signed the Education for All Handicapped Children Act in 1975, it was “to assure that all children with disabilities have available to them…a free appropriate public education which emphasizes special education and related services designed to meet their unique needs.”
Since then, the number of students benefiting from support services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) has more than doubled, highlighting the need for adequate facilities.
Our current buildings were constructed long before these important services were mandated. As a result, our spaces are cramped and lack the proper storage and equipment.
Modernizing our school infrastructure will provide the appropriate spaces and resources needed to deliver high-quality, accessible education for all students, ensuring that those with disabilities receive the support they deserve in an environment designed to meet their needs.
5. Vote YES because… it improves student health and well-being.
Upgrading our school facilities will have a direct, positive impact on students' overall health, which supports better learning outcomes. Currently, our schools lack sufficient natural light, which can negatively affect mood and concentration. They also face issues with mold and poor air quality.
The bond will fund essential upgrades, including improved indoor air quality and increased natural light and outdoor views. It also funds the relocation of the Pond Cove nurse’s office to a large space near new administrative offices. This new setup will not only be more functional but will also support a healthier environment for students who need medical care.
6. Vote YES because… it fosters community and connection.
Modern schools serve as more than just educational spaces, they also become community hubs.
The new designs will include versatile spaces that can host local events and gatherings, strengthening our community ties and providing a welcoming environment for residents of all ages. By creating areas that can be used for various activities, such as community meetings, cultural events, and social functions, we enhance the role of our schools as central points for community interaction and engagement.
Investing in these upgrades not only benefits students but also brings the community together, making our schools integral to local life and fostering a stronger, more connected community.
7. Vote YES because… we are committed to high-quality education.
Cape Elizabeth is known for its excellent schools, but to continue offering the best education, we need to update our facilities to meet today’s needs.
This bond will support improvements that make our schools better places for learning. We’ll create more outdoor learning and play areas, modern classrooms that can be easily rearranged for different activities, and spaces designed for both individual and group work. Additionally, we’ll focus on sustainability and health to ensure our buildings are comfortable and energy-efficient.
By investing in these updates, we will keep our schools competitive with those in neighboring communities, ensuring that students have the best possible environment to learn and succeed whether they choose to enter the workforce or pursue higher education.
8. Vote YES because… we want to attract and retain the best teachers.
Exceptional educators are drawn to schools that offer a positive and supportive working environment. By investing in modern, safe, and well-designed school facilities, we create a workplace where teachers can truly thrive.
Modern classrooms equipped with upgraded technology and resources allow teachers to effectively engage and educate their students. Functional shared spaces and well-maintained facilities contribute to a flexible, dynamic learning environment that supports both teaching and collaboration.
In recent years, neighboring towns have made significant investments in upgrading their educational facilities, making them increasingly attractive to top-tier educators. To remain competitive and ensure we continue to attract and retain the best teaching talent, it is essential that we also invest in our schools. This commitment not only enhances the quality of education we offer but also demonstrates our dedication to providing an outstanding work environment for our teachers.
9. Vote YES because… Cape Elizabeth is in a strong financial position.
Cape Elizabeth is in a strong financial position for infrastructure improvements. The town currently has S&P’s highest and best bond rating at AAA and Moody’s second best at Aa1, which is the highest given to a town of our size. This means we can borrow at the most favorable interest rates.
Joe Cuetara of Moors & Cabot Investments, the town’s bond council, provided a presentation to the Town Council stating the town is in a strong financial position, but we’re at risk of slipping in the eyes of bond investors due to deferred maintenance and aging infrastructure.
“Cape Elizabeth’s debt service as a percentage of expenditures at 3.64%, is considered very low. Moderate, according to the S&P is between 8%-15%. Having less than this range suggests that, ‘You are letting your infrastructure deteriorate, letting your assets fallow and creating greater problems and expenses in the future,’ Cuetara said.
Fund balances higher than 12% suggest over-leveraging. Cape Elizabeth’s overall net debt per capita at $978, “Is incredibly low in terms of your ability to borrow if you want to,” he added. The median in Maine is approximately $3000.
Borrowing, Cuetara explained, allows you to “borrow an asset for 20 years” and is “less of an evil in terms of spreading the useful life of the asset and benefits are received by the users of the asset.
Overall net debt as a percentage of market value is considered moderate when it is between 3%-6%. Cuetara said, “Above 3% is a warning; below 3% makes you wonder if you are maintaining infrastructure?” Cape Elizabeth’s overall net debt as a percentage of market value is 0.35%.”
In addition to the town being in a strong position to make this move, with the tax revaluation complete, we now know that Cape Elizabeth’s full value mill rate is $11.00.
If the bond is approved at the ballot box in November 2024, payments will begin in FY 2027. Your taxes due to this bond will be incrementally increased over 3 years, totaling 12.2%. (Source: Tax Impact Document)
October 2026: +2.0%
October 2027: +6.1%
October 2028: +4.1%
2029 and Beyond: +0%
Table: Estimated Increases Based on Current (Post-Revaluation) Property Values
| New Property Valuation | 2026 Incremental | 2027 Increase | 2028 Increase | 2029 & Beyond |
Total Estimated Increase |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $500,000 | $9.13/mo. | $27.86/mo. | $18.72/mo. | $0.00/mo. | $55.71/mo. |
| $720,000 Town Median |
$13.15/mo. | $40.11/mo. | $26.96/mo. | $0.00/mo. | $80.22/mo. |
| $1,000,000 | $18.27/mo. | $55.71/mo. | $37.44/mo. | $0.00/mo. | $111.42/mo. |
| $1,500,000 | $27.40/mo. | $83.57/mo. | $56.17/mo. | $0.00/mo. | $167.13/mo. |
10. Vote YES because… it will leave a lasting legacy.
Supporting the school bond is more than just approving new buildings; it’s about making a profound investment in our community’s future.
By passing this bond, we commit to creating a positive and enduring impact on our students, teachers, and the entire community. Modern, well-designed facilities will enhance educational outcomes for all pathways, support teacher excellence, and foster a safe and engaging learning environment. Moreover, these improvements can lead to long-term cost savings and elevate the overall quality of life in our community.
This bond represents a forward-thinking approach to education, ensuring that we provide future generations with the best possible resources and opportunities. It’s a legacy of progress and commitment to the well-being and success of our community that will be felt for years to come.
