A collection of letters from Cape voters as they appeared in The Cape Courier and Portland Press Herald.
Schools are ‘key foundations in communities’
I’ve attended many school board and town council meetings to hear all opinions and to better understand what is involved in the new middle school project. I’m not a fan of speaking in public settings, but that in no way means lack of opinion or interest. I completely support this project.
‘Sorting through the noise’
If you find it challenging sorting through the noise, I suggest finding someone in the community that aligns most closely with your gut instincts, follow their lead, and vote with your heart, and hopefully on a June ballot.
Cape needs to act now for the future
In that dark time, when no one knew how long the darkness would last, Cape voters thought about their kids, and about the future, and not just about their own pain. The Cape we enjoy today is the product of their confidence in the future. The Cape of 50 years from now depends on our being as bold and forward-thinking as they were.
‘Let’s trust the process and the experts’
As a senior with neither kids nor grandchildren in the schools, I’m writing in support of a referendum to finance a new middle school in Cape.
‘Stop kicking the can down the road’
Please know that we are in total support of the current revised $86.5 million middle ground school plan. With continued interruptions to all the work that’s been put into this-the costs will just get higher and higher and the current political situation (tariffs, etc.) will escalate the costs even further.
‘Now is the time to invest in all children’
Feeling anxious and hopeless regarding our current political climate? Then now is the time to invest in the essential professionals working in our school system.
‘Let’s move forward together’
As a School Board member and former co-chair of the School Building Advisory Committee (SBAC), I’ve been involved in this project since my election in 2020. This process has been long and difficult. Unfortunately, misinformation continues to circulate, including attempts to discredit our Superintendent, School Board and the professionals guiding this process.
‘Renovating a crumbling school is foolish’
Renovating a crumbling school is foolish. Multiple independent experts have stated our middle school has reached the end of its useful life. If we renovate, we’ll still need a new middle school in as few as 10 years—forcing Cape into another tax hike, decades before the first 30 year bond is paid off . I certainly can’t afford to pay twice in my time here.
‘We’re all in this together’
It is abundantly clear to me that our students, and our town, deserve better schools. It is also clear to me that the proposed plan makes the best and most efficient use of our tax dollars.
Cape built a school during the depression
In 1934, during the height of the Great Depression, Cape Elizabeth built a school. Despite being in the middle of one of the worst economic periods in history, the people of Cape Elizabeth came together and built a school because that was what was needed. They understood the value of education and did the right thing despite what was happening all around them.
‘Let’s not blow this chance’
As the town debates another round of voting on a new school bond, the NO brigade is out in full force to stop progress in our community. I hope a majority of voters in Cape will look at the latest proposal and feel it is worthy compromise. It recognizes fiscal reality but gives the town the right infrastructure to support our students now and into the future.
Groups ‘are using delay tactics’
We must support our elected School Board members, who have done the hard work to craft a responsible, fi nancially viable solution. The Town Council should place this on the June ballot and allow voters to make an informed decision based on facts—not misinformation.
‘Let’s come together as a town’
I believe that strong local communities are more important than ever in this time of national turmoil and uncertainty. Supporting our schools is one of the surest ways that we can invest in Cape Elizabeth’s future and demonstrate our commitment to each other.
‘Let’s make sure our dollars count’
Please join me in thanking the School Board and Town Council for their continued eff orts to identify a community supported solution to our aging school infrastructure. After being decisively elected in November, the new councilors and board members went immediately to work on this crucial issue.
“Let’s see past the obfuscation”
I am encouraged that the measure came VERY close to passing, despite The best efforts (and finances) of a few loud voices trying to throw us off track. Let’s see past the obfuscation. Vote YES on the school project in 2025
Cape is getting closer to a solution
166 votes. That’s how close the vote on the school bond was. And while the bond lost, so much ground was made up. Cape is getting closer to finding a solution to fix our schools.
‘Investment for the future’
I had the privilege of co-chairing the School Building Advisory Committee. I wanted to be involved because I believe in the strength of public education, and wanted to roll up my sleeves and help address our school's needs…. [and] I am voting to support the school bond.
‘‘100% committed’ to great schools’
In 1973, we were blessed to move to Cape Elizabeth and find our first home on Cherry Circle. We raised our four children in Cape both as working parents… both of us are 80 years old and we know that we may not see the long-term investment of the school bond come to fruition.
‘Majority SBAC supports school project’
I joined the SBAC to share my experience as an architect who has worked on 50+ school design projects.
The design process, led by our industry leading Architect and Owner's Project Manager, was meticulous and transparent.
‘All fields replaced with middle ground project’
I was alarmed when I read a letter to the editor in the last issue of the Courier. The letter stated that the plans for a new middle school would eliminate the outdoor basketball court and fail to fully replace essential athletic fields on campus.
