Why is Winslow considering changes to the Junior High School?

The Winslow Junior High School was built in 1928 and has numerous chronic problems with ventilation, insulation, heating and fire suppression systems among other defects.

See this PDF for pictures and descriptions of some of the problems.  Here are the itemized estimated repair costs of needed repairs to Winslow Junior High School as produced from State of Maine VFA software as of May, 2014

The Mid-Maine Technical Center also produced some interviews about the process.

• The Future of Winslow Schools
  
• Architect Stephen Blatt talks about designing spaces in Winslow schools.
• AOS 92 Maintenance and Grounds Director Shelley Phillips discusses the condition of Winslow Junior High School.
  
• AOS 92 Maintenance and Grounds Director Shelley Phillips takes us on a tour of the junior high.
• Kyle Price - Winslow Elementary Principal
• Chad Bell - Winslow High School Principal
• Teachers of the Arts
• Students and the Arts
  

What is being recommended by the Junior High Building Committee?

In 2017, the committee recommended that the sixth grade move to the Winslow Elementary School and the seventh and eighth grades to Winslow High School.  This would include new construction and renovation at both the Winslow Elementary School and the Winslow High School.

Floor plan of the proposed additions/renovations to Winslow High School from the March 2017 meeting, and the rendering of the proposed exterior from the March 2017 meeting.

After the referendum in November 2017 which did not accept the $10.3 million bond request, the committee worked to develop scaled-back plans which were presented in February 2018 in the form of a $8.6 Million Dollar Proposed Budget. This PDF drawing contains the proposed changes to the Winslow High School.

When would the changes happen?

The recommendation of the Junior High Building Committee, which was approved by the Winslow Board of Education, was to close the junior high building at the end of the 2017-18 School year.  In August 2016, the time frame was extended a year. (Newspaper Article)

Who is on the Winslow Junior High Building Committee?

Many years have elapsed since the first meeting, so the members of the committee have changed over time.  The current members are are listed in the meeting minutes, which are available in the list of files at the bottom of the page.

Which options were considered?

1. Renovate existing Junior High
2. Build new Junior High
3. 6th graders moved into Winslow Elementary School and 7th /8th grade wing built on Winslow Elementary School
4. 6th graders moved into Winslow Elementary School and 7th /8th grade wing built on Winslow High School
   

How has the public been notified?

See these Central Maine newspaper articles:

• From 2013: http://www.centralmaine.com/2013/01/26/what-to-do-with-aging-junior-high__2013-01-26/
  
• From 2016: http://www.centralmaine.com/2016/02/04/winslow-contemplates-closing-junior-high-school/
• From 2016: http://www.centralmaine.com/2016/05/15/winslow-moves-forward-on-plan-to-close-junior-high-school-building/
• From 2016: http://www.centralmaine.com/2016/08/22/winslow-school-board-votes-on-closing-junior-high-school/
• From 2016: http://www.centralmaine.com/2016/09/20/architect-chosen-for-winslow-junior-high-school-student-relocation-plan/
• From 2017: http://www.centralmaine.com/2017/11/27/winslow-town-council-school-board-work-on-school-consolidation-compromise/
• From 2018: https://www.centralmaine.com/2018/02/12/winslow-panel-presents-junior-high-closing-plan-to-town-council/
• https://www.centralmaine.com/2018/04/30/winslow-council-sends-8-1-million-school-bond-to-voters/
• https://www.centralmaine.com/2018/05/15/winslow-building-committee-endorses-new-8-1m-school-renovation-bond/
  

There is also a Facebook page for the Winslow School Buildings and Reorganization efforts.

Will there be a public referendum?

There was a referendum vote in November 2017 to get permission from the town to enter into bonds, or long-term loans, for the project.  Click here for a copy of the bond question from the November 2017 ballot.  The bond did not pass in November 2017.

The next public referendum is planned for June 2018.

Where can I find the minutes and agendas for the Building Committee meetings?

Minutes and Agendas are attached to the bottom of this page.

What will happen to the Winslow Junior High building after the move?

This has yet to be determined.  Many options are being considered.