KRSD Press Release:   August, 2007

In September of 2006, the Kearsarge Regional School Board has been involved in an extensive process relative to the leasing of the old middle school located in New London.  An ad hoc committee was formed to develop the specific guidelines and expectation regarding the process.  It was established early in the process that any individual or organization that entered into a lease would be required to demonstrate that the space would be used for educational, recreational and districtwide community activities.

The Kearsarge Regional School District advertised in the local media that it was seeking applications.  Six applications were submitted and reviewed by the School Board in public session.  This past March the taxpayers of the Kearsarge Regional School District authorized the School Board to enter into a long term lease of the old middle school located in New London.  Upon the voters' approval, the School Board established an ad hoc committee to review applications and to make recommendations.

As the result this public discussion and Board action, the ad hoc committee entered into negotiations with the New London Outing Club relative to establishing a long term lease.  After several months of extensive negotiations, the Kearsarge Regional School Board is please to announce a leasing agreement has been reached between the Kearsarge Regional School District and the New London Outing Club.

This organization was selected because of its mission to serve all of the towns of the district by providing educational and recreational activities.  The New London Outing Club is a 501C3 charitable organization which been offering sports, recreational, educational programs to area residents and visitors for many years.  It is membership that encompasses all the towns of the Kearsarge Regional School District as well as surrounding communities.  Over 50% of the membership and participants reside outside of New London.

The agreement will allow for a significant renovation of the 1962 gymnasium in old Kearsarge Regional Middle School located on Cougar Court in New London, the restoration of the playing fields and an upgrade of the drainage system at no cost to the taxpayers. The project will be completed prior to the opening of school in August, thus allowing effective use of the facility by the District in the time period leading up to the move to Sutton.

Tom Brennan and Don West at the newly renovated KRMS New Gym

The revitalization of this space will not only benefit the Kearsarge Community but will have a positive impact on the New London Elementary School.  The students will be able to conduct physical education classes in a more appropriate space and the school will be able to hold schoolwide assemblies and performances.