march 3, 2020 elections

Stockton Springs to vote on select board vacancy, possible sale of former elementary school

Thu, 02/20/2020 - 8:00pm

    STOCKTON SPRINGS — When voters head to the polls Tuesday, March 3 in Stockton Springs, they will be voting on more than just the presidential primary race and the state referendum question. 

    Voters of Stockton Springs will also vote on one select board candidate in Melissa A. Moody and whether the town’s select board should sell the building and land of the former Stockton Springs Elementary School. 

    The municipal referendum question reads: Do you authorize the Select Board, on behalf of the Town, to sell the Stockton Springs Elementary School and 9.5 acres; located at 113 Church Street, Tax Map R4, Lot 077?

    The building, according to a 2019 presentation from former Stockton Springs Town Manager Courtney O’Donnell, includes 23,162 square feet on 9.5 acres with 550 feet of road frontage. 

    The former school contains a gymnasium, kitchen, classrooms, playground, field and a small shed. 

    During the June 2019 elections, voters in Stockton Springs voted 230-57 to accept the property while voters in Searsport rejected ownership of the property 38-55. 

    The Regional School Unit 20 school board decided at an April 2019 meeting to offer the former campus to both Stockton Springs and Searsport for $0. 

    With Stockton Springs accepting the property, they gained control of the property and the ability to determine the property’s future. 

    The O’Donnell presentation noted potential options include fixing the building, demolishing the building and retaining the land, demolishing a portion of the building or working with investors and developers.