AUBURN — The type of programs that should be offered at the new Edward Little High School will be discussed by the School Committee on Wednesday night.

The meeting begins at 7 p.m. at Auburn Hall. 

On the agenda is approval of specifications for the new high school, which will open in 2023 if approved by Auburn voters. Recommending specifications is the next step in the process Chairman Tom Kendall said.

Once approved, the committee’s recommendation will go to Harriman Architects and Engineers to develop a budget and design.

Goals of the educational specifications are on the School Department’s webpage. 

The specifications come from a multitude of meetings with high school staff and residents who have offered input, Superintendent Katy Grondin said.

Included on the list is performing arts space for students and the community, something the school lacks. The space should enhance existing arts programs such as choral groups and bands, and visiting artists and guest lecturers.

The document doesn’t describe what size stage, seating or number of classrooms the new school should have. That will be interpreted by Harriman.

On athletics, the new school should provide students and the community with a facility or fields for physical activity, both organized team sports, and individual and group physical activity.

The community and students should be able to use the new school’s health center, cafeteria, performing arts space and library to increase engagement of all types. And the new school must be designed to allow safe, secure public access to those areas during non-school hours.

There should be space for satellite programs from Lewiston Regional Technical Center and career programs, including law enforcement, firefighting, nursing, manufacturing, engineering and culinary.