The guaranteed maximum price (GMP) is $9,827,000, which cannot be exceeded. This firm cap protects taxpayers from cost overruns while addressing critical space needs at both schools.

Visit our Financial Information page for additional details.

The ORCSD School Board is considering financing this investment using a 10-year bond. The estimated cost for taxpayers for each $1,000 of property assessment based on a 3.44% interest rate is:

* Year 2 is projected to be more expensive as it is the first year of paying principal.

Visit our Financial Information page for additional details.

Students receive instruction and services in inadequate and dysfunctional spaces. Moharimet lacks general classroom space and Art has been displaced to a shared space without sinks or access to the kiln. At both schools, children needing extra support receive help in hallways or shared spaces where noise and distractions make it hard to focus. Students’ needs and instructional requirements have evolved over time and both schools need proper learning environments where the needs of all students are met, and educators can adequately deliver all required services.

The design process began with critical input from teachers, educators, and administrators to understand how students learn and how spaces are utilized. Both single-story updates are carefully integrated into existing buildings to minimize costs, and support student services.

Additional information is available on our Planning History page.

The project includes a 20-foot expansion of the Mast Way School cafeteria, which is currently at capacity. This expansion would also resolve logistical and acoustical issues. The library and North Commons would be combined to allow for collaborative learning and programming efficiencies. Students needing support services will have quiet, private rooms designed for focus. Math and Science would move back to a dedicated classroom.

The addition of four classrooms and renovation of two other classrooms will be integrated into the existing building, allowing art to return to a proper classroom with sink and kiln access. The project creates a new Tutor Center, redesigned Central and East Commons spaces, and dedicated rooms for speech, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and English language support.

Space limitations mean we cannot currently guarantee that all families can attend their historical boundary school. This project ensures students can attend their neighborhood school while receiving consistent, high-quality and equitable programming at both elementary schools.

Students will receive specialized support in quiet, private rooms designed specifically for their learning, not in hallways or corners where distractions interfere. Whether it's occupational therapy, speech therapy, or a calm space to regulate emotions, proper environments help students concentrate better and make greater progress.

The project will be presented to voters at the March 10, 2026, town meetings in Durham, Lee, and Madbury. We encourage all residents to review the detailed information available on our website, attend upcoming school tours and listening sessions, and participate in the democratic process by voting.

Inflation in labor, materials, and borrowing rates means delays will increase costs significantly. If approved in March 2026, construction will be complete for the 2027-2028 school year, allowing students to benefit as soon as possible.

Complete project details, including floor plans, renderings, and presentations, are available on our Elementary Project webpage. You can watch School Board meetings and presentations on our YouTube channel, review the planning history, review financial information, and access the detailed scope of work for each school (Mast Way  |  Moharimet).