ACAP acquires former school
By Kathy McCarty
PRESQUE ISLE — Friday will mark the official opening of Aroostook County Action Program’s Childhood Development Center, located at the former Gouldville School, at the intersection of Park and Parsons streets.
The event marks months of planning on the part of the ACAP officials, who decided to purchase the building from the city earlier this year.
“Earlier in July, ACAP made the decision to purchase from the city of Presque Isle the former Gouldville School building, located on Park Street which ACAP has been using as a child care center for the past 16 years. Both ACAP and the city recognize the need for major improvements to this facility and, as a result, are working together to submit an application for a Community Development Block ‘Community Facilities’ Grant to help pay for certain phases of the reconstruction plan,” said Kim Smith, resource developer, ACAP.
Over the last few years, with the assistance of some federal funding, Smith said ACAP has been able to upgrade playgrounds and equipment, install a new kitchen facility and create a new, modern Early Head Start classroom.
“However, the building still requires some major and minor renovations to meet specific child care center needs. While ACAP has been able to obtain federal Head Start funding for a new roof and replacement of the boilers to meet their immediate needs, there area additional improvement projects they have identified that will be completed in phases over the next few years,” said Smith.
According to Smith, this child care center currently serves 122 children ages 0 to 13 in Head Start, Early Head Start, Child Care and After-School programs.
“Future renovation plans include energy conservation improvements, window replacement, an elevator, parking and bus delivery redesign and general room renovations. Assistance from a CDBG grant will provide financial support to ACAP for these projects,” she said.
Earlier this year City Council voted to authorize City Manager Jim Bennett to enter into a purchase sale agreement with ACAP for the sale of the former Gouldville School at a purchase price of $165,000. Councilors then voted to approve creating an economic development fund for use by the city from a portion of the proceeds from the sale of Gouldville. The former school was built in the early 1900s.
Friday’s event is scheduled for 10 a.m. There will be an opportunity to tour the facility after the opening ceremony. For more information about the center, call 764-3721.
