First and most importantly: this vote will NOT ask Gorham taxpayers for any new money. Instead, the question on the Nov. 4 ballot is about re-allocating a portion of funds already approved by voters in November 2024.
Background

In November 2024, Gorham voters approved a bond of $9.49M (plus estimated interest of $3.19M) to fund two projects:

– The Gorham High School cafeteria and modular classroom expansion
– The Narragansett HVAC project

The HVAC project is nearly complete, and the GHS expansion is underway. Designs are complete, bids have been approved, and costs are firmly established. Due to favorable market shifts and design adjustments, these projects are now expected to come in approximately $2.5 million under budget.

Why the Savings?
Construction prices have leveled off.Redesigning the modular expansion allowed us to build locally rather than off-site, avoiding significant transportation costs.

What’s Next?
Although we are fortunate to have these savings, our schools still have pressing facility needs identified in the Lavalle Facilities Study, CHA report, and our Updated Ten-Year Capital Plan. We are proposing to reallocate the $2.5M to complete three additional priority projects:
GHS Track & Field Replacement – estimated at $625,000
– Narragansett ADA and Sprinkler Updates – estimated at $1,100,000
– Village School Paving Overlay, Connector Road Construction, and Great Falls Fire Lane Repair – estimated at $800,000

This approach addresses nearly all immediate items on our capital plan without asking taxpayers for more money. The only remaining project—Narragansett’s maintenance building—would be deferred to a future plan.

The Vote
On Sept. 2, the Town Council voted unanimously (7–0) to place this re-allocation question on the Nov. 4, 2025 ballot.
A YES vote allows us to move forward with these projects as early as spring 2026. A NO vote means we would need to return in November 2026, to request a new bond for these same needs, at potentially higher costs & with potentially larger projects due to continuing deterioration of existing facilities conditions.

“Over the coming weeks, I will share more details about these projects and their implications for our students and community. In the meantime, please don’t hesitate to reach out with questions: heather.perry@gorhamschools.org.”

“Thank you for your continued support of Gorham Schools and the students we serve!”