**West Paris Considers Future of Former Agnes Gray Elementary School**
WEST PARIS — As the town debates whether to take ownership of the former Agnes Gray Elementary School, residents are eager to learn what would become of the historic building. In simple terms: Is maintaining the building a greater burden than it’s worth?
More than 50 residents gathered Thursday at West Paris’ meeting room at 25 Kingsbury St. to discuss whether acquiring the late-1800s school, closed by Maine School Administrative District 17 (SAD 17) in Paris, serves the town’s best interests.
A special town meeting to vote on the matter is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Nov. 8 at Ring-McKeen American Legion Post 151 on Church Street.
The school building has remained unoccupied since February 2024, when SAD 17 closed it following an architectural survey that revealed significant structural and system risks, rendering the building unsafe for students and staff.
One year prior, SAD 17 directors petitioned the Maine Department of Education to permanently close the school at 170 Main St. West Paris. Currently, kindergarten through sixth-grade students from West Paris attend classes at Paris Elementary School, while pre-kindergarten students go to Legion Memorial School on Kingsbury Street.
Many residents view the six-acre property as an asset for the town, citing examples of similar old school buildings saved in neighboring towns, such as the former Fox School in South Paris, which have benefited their communities.
However, opinions diverged on whether keeping the building would be an added tax burden or if selling it could generate future tax revenue. Some attendees expressed discomfort voting on the property’s future without a clear town vision or understanding of potential rehabilitation costs.
The Agnes Gray PTO’s former parents’ group, known as the Bobcat Committee, has redirected its mission from fundraising to support school activities toward preserving and maintaining the property. They are reorganizing as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit to qualify for grants aimed at addressing needed repairs and redevelopment.
Notably, the gymnasium—constructed in 1938 as part of the Works Progress Administration during the Great Depression—is recognized as a historically significant building. The main school building, dating to 1895, is also eligible for the National Register of Historic Places.
These historic designations open doors to federal grants for preservation efforts. If West Paris assumes ownership, the Bobcat Committee could apply for a variety of additional grants, such as community development block grants, to assist with funding.
Committee members emphasized their goal is to preserve the school’s integrity and raise funds to ease costs that would otherwise burden taxpayers.
Nonetheless, some residents remain wary of entrusting a community group with managing and making decisions about a town-owned property. Former school director Dale Piirainen voiced skepticism: “What standing does the Bobcat Committee have with the town? They tried to keep the school open and it didn’t work out. Now they’re trying to influence the town’s decision to accept the building and property.” He indicated he is likely to vote against the town taking ownership.
Others, including Selectman Eli White, noted that if West Paris owns and later sells the property, the town would have greater control over how any future owner might use or alter the village landmark.
Suggested potential uses have included transforming the building into a community or event center. Alternatively, some residents propose selling the property on the real estate market to generate municipal revenue without the town shouldering maintenance responsibilities.
Yet, some supporters of retaining the building argued that if SAD 17 sells it directly, it might be for a nominal fee, such as one dollar, given the building’s limited monetary or development appeal—meaning West Paris would see no revenue.
“It’s an issue of control,” said Wendy Newmeyer. “This building is the heart of the community. We have one chance to decide its future. If we sell it, it could become something else down the line. At least if the town owns it, we retain that option.”
As West Paris approaches its Nov. 8 special town meeting, residents face an important decision balancing historic preservation, fiscal responsibility, and the community’s long-term vision for one of its most iconic buildings.
https://www.sunjournal.com/2025/10/24/west-paris-debates-future-of-agnes-gray-property/