Casco Memorial roof fund rejected

By Dawn De Busk
Staff Writer

CASCO – Residents were split when it comes to doling out money to fix the roof of the Casco Memorial School building.

On Tuesday, community members went to the polls to decide whether or not to repair the school’s roof, and have the cost capped at $120,000.

The measure failed by a narrow margin — 173 residents gave it the go-ahead, and 201 people gave the plan the thumbs down.

However, the Casco Board of Selectmen has put the Memorial School project out to bid. The bid paperwork requires businesses to offer design-build concepts for renovating the structure as well as rebuilding on the property. The school future might become clearer when the board reviews the bid prices.

More than a year ago, residents voted to move the town offices into the school, which is currently vacant. However, that vote was non-binding.

About three years ago, the structure was deeded back to the town by School Administrative District 61.

The history of the Memorial School dates back to the late 1940s when it was originally constructed.

According to community member Pam Grant, the former school building is more than just a structure in need of repair.

“It was built for a reason. It is dedicated to three men who died in World War II,” Grant said.

“It’s not just a building. It was something the town put an effort into raising up,” she said. “The people in the community wanted to have something to remember these men by.”