Board schedules June 26 special meeting, approves FEMA generator grant and preliminary design work for transportation and fields

The board scheduled a special meeting for June 26 at 5:00 p.m. (central office conference room; location may be the Middle School library if needed) to act on budget outcomes if the town vote passes.

In business items, members voted to retain existing outside counsel and to continue engagement with Trevor Bryce for the Title N-related matter before the Maine Human Rights Commission. The motion to retain counsel was presented as procedural continuity; the board approved the recommendation.

The board also acted on capital and grant matters. Members approved acceptance of a FEMA grant to install an emergency generator at Levit Area High School. Meeting discussion said FEMA will cover 75% of the project; presenters cited a preliminary federal share of approximately $140,893.50 and an increased total project cost compared with the original bid. The board approved using capital reserve funds for the district’s required match (district share cited in discussion at about $56,168.05 after updated pricing) to complete the project.

Board members authorized the district architect to develop preliminary designs for a proposed transportation facility at the Cobb Road site to support community engagement and future planning. Separately, the board approved contracting CHA Architecture PC for a field assessment and preliminary design options (proposal cited at $22,500) to identify needs and options for athletic fields and potential relocation to the Cobb Road campus.

During the ESEA (Title) grant presentation and Q&A, a board member raised legal concerns about federal assurances tied to accepting grants and the district’s compliance with Title N as interpreted by recent executive guidance. That member warned that accepting federal funds without the district being able to certify compliance could risk False Claims Act liability, including treble damages, and urged caution; the board discussed but took no motion to reject federal funds at the meeting.

Most motions approving grants, design authorization and assessments passed by voice vote; specific dollar amounts and match requirements were discussed in detail during the meeting packet and presentation.