Current Status
Following a successful referendum, the district is now actively implementing the funded facilities projects. Work is underway on security camera installation at Skillin Elementary, roofing at Small Elementary, and secure vestibules at several schools.
Overview
- On July 14, 2025, the district reported significant progress on summer facilities projects funded by the referendum, including camera, roofing, and vestibule installations.
- On September 9, 2024, citizens voiced strong opposition to the artificial turf field component of the bond, citing environmental risks like microplastics and PFAS contamination.
- On July 8, 2024, the Board voted to send three separate bond questions to the City Council for the November ballot: $3 million for security, $1 million for maintenance, and $12.2 million for the stadium complex, which included a synthetic turf field.
- On June 10, 2024, the Board unanimously directed the administration to prepare formal proposals for three separate bond referendums covering safety, maintenance, and a high school stadium renovation, with a total cost not to exceed $17 million.
Perspectives
Board
- Voted 6-1 to advance the stadium complex referendum after a contentious debate on July 8, 2024.
- Unanimously approved sending the security and maintenance bond questions to the City Council on July 8, 2024.
- Initially debated the environmental and safety aspects of artificial turf versus natural grass on June 10, 2024.
Administration
- On July 8, 2024, Superintendent Matheney detailed three proposed bond referendums for the November ballot, specifying costs and materials for the stadium's synthetic turf field.
- On June 10, 2024, the Superintendent proposed the projects and recommended a specific recyclable, organic-infill artificial turf product for the stadium.
Citizens
- In September 2024, speakers raised environmental concerns about the proposed artificial turf, including microplastics, PFAS, and the heat island effect.
- In July 2024, numerous parents and youth sports coaches spoke overwhelmingly in favor of the stadium renovation and synthetic turf, citing poor conditions and safety issues with the current field.
Key Resolutions & Votes
| Date | Motion | Result |
|---|---|---|
| July 8, 2024 | Consideration and action to recommend to the City Council a November 2024 referendum authorizing the bonding for facility improvements not to exceed $3 million to address the physical security of schools. | Passed |
| July 8, 2024 | Consideration and action to recommend to the City Council a November 2024 referendum authorizing the bonding for facility improvements not to exceed $1 million to address deferred maintenance. | Passed |
| July 8, 2024 | To amend New Business Item 8.3 to specify facility improvements including synthetic turf fields, not to exceed $12.3 million. | Passed |
| July 8, 2024 | Consideration and action to recommend to the City Council a November 2024 referendum authorizing the bonding for South Portland School Department facility improvements, including synthetic turf fields, not to exceed $12.3 million to address improvements to the South Portland High School Stadium Complex. | Passed |
| June 10, 2024 | to approve the amendment related to the preparation for a possible facilities bond referendum for the school department | Passed |
Meeting History
July 14, 2025
July 14, 2025 — School Board Meeting — SPSD
Facilities and Security Upgrades
The district is making significant progress on summer facilities projects funded by a recent referendum. Surveillance camera installation is nearly complete at Skillin Elementary and will proceed to other elementary schools. Roofing work has begun at Small Elementary, and work on secure vestibules at three elementary schools is set to start.
September 9, 2024
September 9, 2024 — School Board Meeting — SPSD
Artificial Turf Field Controversy
Citizens raised significant concerns about an upcoming bond referendum to install artificial turf fields. Speakers cited environmental risks like microplastics, PFAS contamination, the heat island effect, and the loss of natural carbon sequestration, urging the board to reconsider and provide more information to the public before the vote.
July 8, 2024
July 8, 2024 — School Board Meeting — SPSD
Facility Improvement Referendum Proposals
Superintendent Matheney detailed three proposed bond referendums for the November ballot: $3 million for security vestibules and cameras at elementary schools, $1 million for deferred maintenance like roofing, and a $12.2 million project for the SPHS Stadium Complex. The stadium plan includes a new track, concessions, restrooms, and a synthetic turf field using IRONTURF and an organic BrockFILL infill.
Public Comment on Stadium Project
Numerous citizens, including parents and youth sports coaches, spoke overwhelmingly in favor of the stadium renovation and the synthetic turf field. Speakers cited the current field's poor condition, frequent cancellations due to weather, safety concerns like concussions, and the embarrassment of having substandard facilities compared to neighboring districts.
Board Action on Referendum Items
The Board voted unanimously to send the $3 million security and $1 million maintenance bond questions to the City Council. After a lengthy debate and a contentious amendment to explicitly include 'synthetic turf fields' and adjust the total, the Board voted 6-1 to advance the stadium complex referendum as well, leaving the final decision on all three items to the City Council and, ultimately, the voters.
June 10, 2024
June 10, 2024 — School Board Meeting — SPSD
Facilities Bond Referendum Discussion
The board held a lengthy discussion on a potential facilities bond referendum. The Superintendent proposed projects for school security, deferred maintenance, and a major renovation of the high school stadium complex, including a controversial recommendation for an artificial turf field using specific recyclable and organic-infill products.
Facilities Bond Resolution
After debate on the environmental and safety aspects of artificial turf versus natural grass, the board unanimously voted to direct the administration to prepare formal proposals for three separate bond referendums (safety, maintenance, and stadium) with a total cost not to exceed $17 million.