By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
Among the bond issues before voters on Election Day will be Question 2 which reads “Do you favor a $15.5 million bond issue to enhance educational and employment opportunities for Maine citizens and students by updating and improving existing laboratory and classroom facilities of the University of Maine System statewide?”
Supporters of Question 2 on the Nov.5 ballot say that a “Yes” vote will not only bring investments in students’ education throughout the seven campuses of the University of Maine System, but it will also bring about immediate construction jobs to perform the work necessary to upgrade and renovate STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education facilities statewide.
“Question 2 is about jobs,” said UMS Chancellor James Page. “It’s about the jobs that will come from $15.5 million spent on construction and equipment as we rebuild and rehabilitate classrooms and labs on every campus. It’s also about job opportunities for our students as they receive critical, up-to-date training in nursing, marine sciences, engineering, and a host of other professions that Maine needs and Maine students want.”
If passed, money will be allocated as follows:
• $5.5 million to the University of Maine to renovate about 10,000 square feet of outdated STEM classrooms and labs;
• $1.2 million to the University of Maine at Augusta for science and nursing lab upgrades;
• $1.2 million to the University of Maine at Farmington for the renovation of science facilities in Preble and Ricker halls;
• $1.2 million to the University of Maine at Fort Kent to renovate science labs and upgrade its network;
• $1.2 million to the University of Maine at Machias for structural renewal and other improvements of Powers Hall and laboratory upgrades in the science building;
• $1.2 million to the University of Maine at Presque Isle to upgrade space and equipment for science classrooms and other on-campus STEM facilities; and
• $4 million to the University of Southern Maine for the renovation of labs, which may include facilities in Portland, Gorham and Lewiston.
UMPI President Linda Schott said the upgrades to her campus will benefit both students and community members.
“If the bond passes, UMPI will use the funds primarily to upgrade equipment and labs in Folsom-Pullen, our major classroom building,” said Schott.
Schott explained how the money will be used, giving the following examples:
• Refinish lab benches and cabinets for biology, chemistry and geology;
• Update and expand storage for geology, plant and vertebrate collections;
• Redesign lab spaces to promote greater collaboration among students;
• Purchase new equipment such as sterile hoods that can be used when working with bacteria and tissue cultures; and
• Expand and update the GIS (geographic information system) lab in order to serve more students and to increase community access to the GIS program.
“These upgrades are needed to ensure that our students are prepared on the types of equipment that they will find in their future workplaces and that are safe. Furthermore, as we promote more hands-on educational experiences, we need the space and equipment that will enable students to collaborate with other students and faculty members on research projects,” said Schott.
She said the upgrades will serve students in the STEM and health-related fields — fields projected to be in high demand in the coming years.
Schott said campus officials continue to seek ways to raise money for classroom essentials to provide students with a quality education but needs continue to grow.
“UMPI science and health faculty have brought in over $1 million in grants that have already been used to update some lab space and to purchase some new equipment. But much more needs to be done, and this bond would be a great help as we work to provide our students an education that prepares them well for future employment in fields that are critical to the state’s economy,” said Schott.
Dana Humphrey, dean at the College of Engineering at the University of Maine, agreed with Schott that funds are needed to continue to provide top-quality STEM programs.
“STEM enrollment continues to be on the rise,” said Humphrey. “System-wide, we have seen the number of bachelor’s degrees in STEM-related fields jump by nearly 25 percent between 2007-11. That is simply a staggering number and shows a tremendous interest in STEM-related fields. It is incumbent upon us to ensure that our facilities across the state can handle the capacity and have the right equipment to keep students in Maine and to prepare them well for their careers upon graduation.”
For more information, visit the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/YesonME2.
