East Maine School District 63’s November 2026 bond referendum is a revised plan to improve safety, infrastructure, accessibility, and learning spaces at all seven schools, while reducing the tax impact by 26% from the previous proposal.
Why Vote Yes
Reduced Referendum
Downsized from the original $163M proposal to $120.6M, a nearly $43M cut.
ADA Accessibility
Restrooms, new elevators, and other accessibility updates.
Lower Tax Impact
26% lower than the original plan.
Energy Efficiency
Lower operating and utility costs.
Safer, More Secure Schools
More secure entries and modern security, fire protection, and alarm systems.
Acting Now Saves Money
Waiting 5 years could add $35M or more.
Reliable, Efficient Infrastructure
New roofing, electrical, plumbing, roofing, and HVAC systems.
Protects Property Values
High-performing schools matter.
Why District 63 Needs This Now
Most schools are between 56–70 years old
Roofing, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and HVAC systems are at end of life
Fire safety, security, and alarm systems need updates
Restrooms, lifts, and pathways no longer meet ADA accessibility standards
Enrollment is projected to grow, adding pressure on already undersized, outdated classrooms
Waiting 5 years could add $35M construction inflation
A Responsible, Smaller Plan
After careful community-driven planning, the District reduced the scope of the original proposal by nearly $43 million, focusing on the safety, accessibility, and infrastructure needs residents said mattered most.
26% Smaller Referendum
26% Lower Tax Impact
Among the Lowest Tax Rate Compared to Peer Districts
Where the Work is Needed
Most District schools would receive critical infrastructure, safety, and accessibility upgrades. Two facilities, the recently renovated Gemini Middle and the Family Resource Center, need only targeted work, and the Early Learning Center, completed in 2020, needs none.
What the Revised Plan Includes
The revised $120.6M proposal keeps the improvements residents said mattered most.
Safety & security improvements: secure entry vestibules, fire-rated doors, fire protection & alarm systems
Essential infrastructure and energy-efficiency upgrades: new roofing, heating & cooling, plumbing, and electrical systems
ADA accessibility updates: restroom renovations and new elevators where needed
Classroom additions and improvements at a reduced scope, addressing overcrowding
Removed From Original Proposal
Projects identified by the community as lower priority were scaled back or eliminated.
Eliminates all previously proposed gymnasium projects
New cafeteria at Nelson no longer included
Library and classroom renovations scaled back
Benefits for Students, Staff, and the Community
Safer, healthier schools
Lower long-term maintenance costs
Reliable, energy-efficient building systems
Improved teacher and staff recruitment and retention
Improved ADA accessibility
Fewer emergency repairs
Targeted updates to relieve overcrowding
Property value protection
Give Your Support.
Donations will help cover the cost of yard signs and other campaign tools to effectively get the word out.
Stay Informed.
*By providing your phone number, you consent to receive text message updates, including automated text message updates, from Citizens for District 63 Referendum at that number. Message and data rates may apply. Reply STOP to opt out at any time.