‘Encouraged’ by solution presented

Written By Cape Elizabeth

BY SCOTT MAZUZAN

I was very encouraged by the “Middle Ground” solution that was presented by Harriman at the recent joint workshop of the School Board and Town Council. While addressing crucial needs at the Elementary and High School, it also provides for the construction of a new middle school while maintaining a palatable price tag (as evidenced by SBAC survey results.) Lisa Sawin of Harriman also thoughtfully addressed several questions that had been posed by Councilor Anderson regarding reduction in scope and cost. Best of all, this plan results in minimal disturbance to the student body and avoids the need for costly and disruptive portable classrooms.

Importantly, I’m not alone! The presentation drew positive feedback from members of both bodies – with town councilors and school board members sharing their positive impressions and pledges to support the project. Please join me in thanking the Town Council and School Board for their spirit of collaboration, praising the ongoing professionalism of Lisa Sawin and her team from Harriman, and commending our community for seeking constructive consensus.

I’d welcome the opportunity to advocate for a “Yes” vote on the Middle Ground this November!

 

In the news…

Op-Eds | Cape Elizabeth School Building Project
‘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.

Read More →
‘‘100% committed’ to great schools’
‘‘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.

Read More →
‘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.

Read More →
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?

Read More →
‘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…

Read More →
Former CEHS Principal Shedd shares “Support for middle ground proposal”
Former CEHS Principal Shedd shares “Support for middle ground proposal”

Jeffrey Shedd shares, "I voted AGAINST the last school buildings proposal. I will vote FOR the middle ground proposal.

I have been impressed with the process and communication throughout the latest planning work. Based on many visits to the middle school, I can say unequivocally: it’s a mess."

Read More →
“Support for school bond” from a commercial developer
“Support for school bond” from a commercial developer

My support for the bond comes from my professional perspective, as someone who has spent 20 years in the commercial real estate industry, the last 16 spent as a developer in Portland. I thought I would share some of my insights here, because, as both a taxpayer and real estate developer, I’m impressed with the process and the resulting compromise proposal.

Read More →
‘We have common ground to stand on’
‘We have common ground to stand on’

People from all perspectives (parents, grandparents, teachers, people with fixed incomes, and long-time Cape residents) spoke about how they had doubts during the last referendum and how their opinion on the need for a new school has evolved since then. Thanks to an inclusive and thoughtful planning process, our community can see and understand the need for a new middle school

Read More →
‘Facilities are woefully inadequate’
‘Facilities are woefully inadequate’

As a former Maine Public School Educator and retired senior citizen of Cape Elizabeth, I implore all members of our voting community to urge our Town Council to put forward the Middle Ground School Building Project so we may vote in November to give our children the school facilities they so desperately require and deserve.

Read More →
Who are we as a community?
Who are we as a community?

I am a 79 year old retiree, living in Cape Elizabeth 43 years; I wholeheartedly endorse Option E. Who are we as a community, if we abandon our children’s needs?

Read More →
Let’s take care of one another and especially our children
Let’s take care of one another and especially our children

I think we can all agree that our children shouldn’t have to pay the price in our place. I consider myself very fortunate to live on a street and in a community where neighbors step up and take care of each other, during power outages, storms and everyday life.

Read More →
Values of a town are in its budget
Values of a town are in its budget

The town should start saving now, in this year’s budget, for its infrastructure needs — like the schools. Also, we should establish infrastructure funds to save for our future needs, together with a sensible municipal bonding plan. Let’s put our values back in our budget.

Read More →
Cape Elizabeth
Previous

Spirit of compromise gives me hope
Next

Who are we as a community?