GRAY — Residents at a public forum Thursday night gave opposing views on nearly $7 million in bonds to improve SAD 15 schools and athletic facilities.

The measure will go to voters of Gray and New Gloucester on June 14.

About 60 residents debated the proposal, some questioning the impact to taxpayers and others supporting investment in school properties.

Superintendent Bruce Beasley said it appears the bonds — one for $3.1 million and one for $3.85 million — would have a small impact on the debt load. The time is right, based on community needs, a revolving renovation grant, retiring two major bonds, and an interest rate of 2.4 percent.

Colette Tweten of Gray asked if alternative funding was sought, suggesting that sporting clubs can apply for interest-free bonds. It was noted that the district owns the athletic fields, not the community groups.

According to SAD 15 policy, schools have priority to use the fields, though a fee schedule is set for community groups using them after hours.

Patriot Soccer, a community group with players from Gray and New Gloucester, uses the fields, pays a fee and funds some projects to give back to the district.

Selectwoman Laura Sturgis of New Gloucester, who spoke in favor of approving the bonds, said her children and grandchildren attend the district’s schools.

“Now, as a senior citizen, I appreciate the senior citizens in the past who helped raise my children,” she said. “We need the space for school buildings and athletic fields. Deferred maintenance is not the way to live. We need to make it better for our kids. Pass both bonds,” she said to applause.

“We need to invest in our facilities,” Kathleen Potter of New Gloucester said. “We need to pass the bond. Kids need the opportunity to spread their wings at the middle school. This is a badly needed situation,” she said.

Two years ago, the district failed to get voter approval to fund the projects presented in a single bond. Afterward, a Capital Improvement Committee was formed to address the public’s concerns.

SAD 15 bond proposal

A $3.10 million bond for schools would pay to:

* Add six classrooms to the middle school for $1,845,000;

* Renovate the middle school entry portico for $145,000;

* Update 40-year-old science labs at the high school for $514,000;

* Update the dirt play area at the Dunn Elementary School in Gray for $28,500;

* Update the parking lot/drainage at Memorial School in New Gloucester for $86,500;

* Update the high school lobby/collaborative space for $30,000; and

* Upgrade the middle school parking lot/drainage for $453,000.

A $3.85 million bond at the high school would pay to:

* Construct practice and competition fields;

* Construct an eight-lane track to replace the current one;

* Construct walking trails for students, staff and residents for wellness; and

* Modernize concessions areas and restrooms.