Regional School Unit 13 (RSU13) has been awarded $1,170,000 in federal funding to support the critical repair, upgrade, and modernization of the Oceanside High School (OHS) auditorium.

"This significant investment was secured thanks to the dedicated efforts and bipartisan support of Maine’s Congressional delegation: Senator Angus King, Senator Susan Collins, and Representative Chellie Pingree," said Rockland resident and Funding our Future committee member Dan Bookham, in a news release.

The funding will address long-overdue maintenance and allow for state-of-the-art enhancements to the facility, which serves as a central hub for student life and community engagement, according to Bookham.

“This federal support is transformative for our students and the entire Oceanside community,” said RSU13 Superintendent John McDonald. “We are profoundly grateful to Senators King and Collins, and Representative Pingree, for championing this project and recognizing the vital role this space plays in the education and cultural life of our towns. Their efforts have provided the necessary catalyst for this essential modernization.”

The $1.17 million federal award is designated as a matching fund, presenting the communities served by RSU13 with a historic opportunity to invest directly in the future of the school. The completion of this project will directly benefit:

• Arts Excellence: Providing upgraded facilities, lighting, and sound for the highly successful theater and music programs.

• Expanded Student Opportunities: Creating a state-of-the-art venue that can host larger assemblies, academic competitions, and a wider range of school-wide events.

• Community Connection: Offering a modern, accessible, and high-quality space for other local groups and organizations, thereby deepening the bonds between Oceanside High School and the towns it serves.

The "Funding our Future" Matching Campaign

To successfully secure and finalize the project, in support of RSU13 and this project, a dedicated committee named "Funding our Future," committed to raising the necessary $1.7M in matching funds. The committee was established by local volunteers Will Clayton, Ceilia Knight, Paul Coster, Loren Andrews, Emily Dillon, Laura Miller, Jessie Davis, and Dan Bookham.

"The federal funding gets us across the finish line, but the matching requirement is a challenge that we know our generous and dedicated communities are ready to meet," said Bookham, speaking for the Funding our Future committee. "We are now calling on all residents, local businesses, and alumni to join us in this final push. This isn't just a school project; it's an investment in a shared community asset."

Call for Volunteers: The "Funding our Future" committee is actively seeking additional volunteers to help plan and execute fundraising events and outreach efforts. Anyone willing to commit time and effort to help raise the remaining matching money is encouraged to reach out to join the effort.

To join the committee or inquire about how you can help, please contact: fundingourfuturersu13@gmail.com