WEST PARIS — At an emergency meeting held Monday, June 2, the West Paris Select Board voted unanimously not to appeal the Maine Superior Court’s dismissal of their lawsuit against the School Administrative District 17 board of directors over the closure of Agnes Gray Elementary School.

The lawsuit, filed in October 2024, challenged the board of director’s abrupt decision to close the school in February of the same year. With the court ruling now final, the town is turning its attention to the future of the vacant school building.

The Select Board and town officials must now decide whether to retain ownership of the former school for municipal use. That decision comes with financial considerations: the town would need to pay one bond payment of approximately $10,000 by June 2026.

While reopening the school for educational purposes could cost between $4 million and $6 million, according to the SAD 17 board, some West Paris residents are optimistic that converting the building for non-school uses could be done for less.

Town Manager Joy Downing said the board of directors is requesting a decision on the town’s right of first refusal by September 2025. If the Select Board opts to let residents decide, a special town meeting could be scheduled as early as this summer.

In a related development, the Bobcat Committee — a grassroots group of former teachers and Agnes Gray alumni — has officially become a non-profit organization after receiving its federal tax ID. Though not affiliated with the town government, the committee is actively seeking grant funding to help renovate the building if the town chooses to keep it.

“They are writing grants to get the building repaired,” said Downing — if the town votes to keep it.

Press Release, June 3 

“The Town of West Paris is proud to announce that their legal action against Maine School Administrative District 17 (MSAD 17) has successfully compelled the School Board to comply with Maine law in the closure of Agnes Gray Elementary School. The lawsuit, filed in October 2024, challenged MSAD 17’s unlawful closure of the school in February 2024 without following the mandatory statutory process outlined in 20-A M.R.S. § 4102.

“Thanks to the Towns’ steadfast commitment to upholding the law, MSAD 17 was forced to initiate a referendum, as required by statute, allowing voters to decide the school’s fate. This action ensured that the School Board adhered to the legal process, reinforcing that no entity is above the law. Although the Superior Court dismissed the case on May 16, 2025, and the Town has voted not to appeal, the lawsuit’s success in enforcing legal compliance stands as a victory for community accountability.”

“We are gratified that our legal efforts brought MSAD 17 into compliance,” said Joy Downing, Town Manager. “This outcome affirms the importance of accountability and transparency in decisions affecting our schools and communities.”

The public is invited to the next West Paris Selectboard meeting on Thurs., June 12, at the West Paris Town Office at 5 p.m. 

The public is invited to Bobcat Committee’s next meeting on Wed. June 11, at the West Paris Historical Society. [email protected]