MSAD 51 Board sets June 11 referendum after heated debate over turf field

The MSAD 51 Board of Directors on April 1 voted to call a referendum for June 11, 2024, on a $53,492,000 school-construction proposal and scheduled a statutory public hearing for May 20 at 6 p.m.

Board member Speaker 14 read the warrant and notice calling the election and the board approved the motion after debate. The transcript records the vote as unanimous; no roll call of individual board members was recorded in the meeting minutes.

Why it mattered: the package bundles an elementary-school project with campus improvements, including a proposed artificial turf athletic field. Several residents and board members urged that the $3,000,000 turf component be removed from the warrant so voters could decide the school construction and turf separately. Proponents argued keeping the field in the package would provide a usable on-campus surface, reduce late-night travel to off-campus turf fields and expand equitable access for student athletes.

Opponents and public commenters raised health and environmental concerns tied to artificial turf. Resident Lehi Morozini told the board she was "disturbed" that turf and the new elementary school were linked and warned that "PFAS affects endocrine system, liver, thyroid, as well as neurotoxicity, immunotoxicity," urging the district to disclose turf cost and drainage testing. Bruce Sherwin of Blanchard Road urged separating the turf from the school referendum and said he planned to vote no on turf, citing an approximate $3,000,000 price tag.

Board response and commitments: several board members said they would require a non‑PFAS infill if the turf proceeds. One board member stated plainly, "We don't want PFAS. We want a non PFAS material." Supporters stressed the campus plan addresses multiple long-standing needs — traffic flow, indoor space at Mabel I Wilson, maintenance structures and athletic access — and said that removing the field risks losing an otherwise substantially reduced project cost (down from prior proposals in the $70–80M range).

Process notes: a separate motion to amend the March 18 approved plan to exclude the turf (reducing the budget by $3,000,000) was made but received no second and therefore was not advanced. The board then moved to approve calling the referendum and to post the associated warrant and public-hearing notice; signatures on the documents were completed at the meeting.

What happens next: the district will hold the public hearing on May 20 and publish formal materials and financing information for voters. Board staff and the finance committee said a plan of financing and estimated taxpayer impact (debt-service scenarios) will be available after the upcoming school vacation; outreach events and Q&A sessions will be scheduled prior to the vote.

Evidence: the motion to call the referendum was read aloud and seconded by board members; the transcript records extended discussion of the turf health, equity and cost issues and a unanimous vote to set dates for the referendum and public hearing.