‘Let’s leave a legacy’

Written By Cape Elizabeth

Please note: This letter reflects opinions regarding the November 2024 “Middle Ground” school referendum. It does not represent the current 2025 Cape Elizabeth school proposal which is an updated and revised version.

BY P JOY ENGEL

Whether you’re a native Caper or “from away,” I believe we all share a common goal: to leave Cape Elizabeth better than we found it. Since the “new” high school was built in 1969, our community has prided itself on the exceptional education our schools provide. However, maintaining these high standards is challenging without the necessary investments in our schools, teachers and most importantly, our children.

Imagine a future where every child in Cape—your grandkids, neighbors and the next two generations—has access to safe facilities that inspire learning and growth and prepare our students for the modern workplace.

Schools built over 60 years ago are struggling to meet today’s needs, and we have a unique opportunity to change that. To meet the moment. To give more than we take. By collectively investing, we can build Cape Elizabeth’s first new school in 55 years.

Let’s come together, vote YES on the school bond, and help ensure our schools continue to be a source of pride and opportunity for all. Let’s leave a legacy of education and community that future generations will thank us for and pass down to the next.

 

In the news…

Op-Eds | Cape Elizabeth School Building Project
Schools are ‘key foundations in communities’
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.

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Cape needs to act now for the future
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.

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‘Let’s trust the process and the experts’
‘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.

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‘Let’s move forward together’
‘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.

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‘Renovating a crumbling school is foolish’
‘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.

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‘Let’s come together as a town’
‘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.

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“Let’s see past the obfuscation”
“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

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Cape is getting closer to a solution
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.

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‘Investment for the future’
‘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.

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‘Majority SBAC supports school project’
‘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.

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Cape Voters Show Their Support in Latest Cape Courier
Cape Voters Show Their Support in Latest Cape Courier

The October 2, 2024 issue of The Cape Courier featured stories from Middle Ground supporters in the community. Did you find them all?

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‘Learn from my mistakes and vote YES’
‘Learn from my mistakes and vote YES’

As a newcomer to Cape Elizabeth, I feel it’s important to share my experience with the last school bond vote. I’m a bit embarrassed to admit that I got duped by all the glossy mailers…

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Cape Elizabeth
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