Bowdoin to donate $450K for construction of elementary 'discovery' classroom
Rendering/ Courtesy Bowdoin College
The 1,000-square foot discovery classroom building at Brunswick's future Kate Furbish Elementary School will provide a flexible space for a variety of uses. A $450,000 contribution from Bowdoin College will help fund construction.
Bowdoin College announced a $450,000 gift to the Brunswick School Department to fund construction of a “discovery classroom” at the future Kate Furbish Elementary School.
The 1,000-square-foot building will provide a flexible space for a variety of uses including science and nature experiments, visiting art and science programs, small group presentations, and other hands-on learning activities. The free-standing classroom, to be built starting this fall, will be an open concept with sinks, tables, and storage space.
“We are very pleased to be able to fund this unique learning environment for students — a 'discovery classroom' that will also have other uses for the broader Brunswick community,” said Bowdoin President Clayton Rose in a news release.
“This gift by the college builds on the considerable investment the community is making in its public schools — an investment that keeps Brunswick such an attractive place to live, work, and raise a family," he added.
Brunswick School Board member Sarah Singer said the building will allow students "to experience nature-based learning, science, gross-motor movement and music in a space designed specifically for those activities. We have many education partners who work in our schools to provide enrichment toy our curriculum, and this classroom gives us the space to provide that programming. We are all excited about this truly remarkable addition to the project.”
Strong ties between Bowdoin and Brunswick
Bowdoin also said Wednesday that it will increase its annual contribution to the town of Brunswick by $150,000 starting in fiscal year 2020 to support capital expenditures, including for facilities and infrastructure upgrades.
As a tax-exempt educational institution, Bowdoin pays property taxes on certain buildings and makes an annual voluntary contribution to Brunswick. Last year, its combined tax and contribution payment to the town totaled $378,800. The $150,000 increase will result in annual contributions and tax payments to the town that will exceed $540,000 in 2020 and beyond.
Brunswick Town Manager John Eldridge said Brunswick and Bowdoin have an excellent and long-standing relationship, adding that the college has contributed to the several projects over the years and makes a yearly voluntary contribution to the school budget.
"Bowdoin's generous gift to the school department and the college’s plan to increase its annual contribution further demonstrate its commitment to Brunswick and are greatly appreciated," he added.
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