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Updated: December 10, 2025

Saco’s newest elementary schools will replace outdated facilities, expand student capacity

people at groundbreaking Maureen Grandmaison Photography Saco School District administrators shared groundbreaking honors with elementary school students.
By Tina Fischer

After more than two decades of planning, the Saco School Department and the city of Saco have broken ground on two new elementary schools, expected to be operational in 2028.

The new campus being developed on Beth Johnston Way will be home to two buildings that will serve pre-K through fifth grade students in two modern, climate-controlled buildings.

The building for pre-K and kindergarten will be 60,000 square feet and the new facility for grades 1-5 will be 156,000 square feet — allowing for expanded capacity for the city’s growing student population. 

Flexible classroom spaces will provide for evolving teaching methods, there will be enhanced safety and security systems, a dedicated unified arts wing and expanded outdoor learning opportunities.

rendering of new school buildings
RENDERING / COURTESY SACO SCHOOL DISTRICT
The elementary school buildings will share a new campus on Beth Johnston Way, when completed in 2028.

The buildings will replace four outdated facilities along with modular units. buildings. The C.K. Burns school, which serves grades three through five, is over 100 years old.

The current pre-K building on 5 Willey Road is leased and is too small to accommodate the number of students wanting to attend. Meg Parkhurst, district assistant superintendent, told Mainebiz the school has a waiting list every year.

Young School is also being replaced. “It was re-opened in modular buildings in 2004 with the intent to replace the building,” Parkhurst said. “There are three modular out-buildings in addition to the main modular building. As a result of the condition of the Young School, Saco was put on the state construction list. 

“Fairfield was built in 1964, has a modular building and is pinched for space. In working with the state and several community stakeholder groups, we determined that a cost-sharing campus construction project would solve multiple problems.”

The project is being funded by a community-backed bond and state funding — which will cover approximately 72% of the total $140 million project.

The new buildings will have a larger capacity for students — 1,482 compared to 1,310 in the buildings. 

Parkhurst said there are also plans to be able to extend additional classroom footprints in the future if needed. “Enrollment changes aren't drastic, but have gone slightly up over the last ten years.” 

Saco Mayor Jodi MacPhail said at the groundbreaking, “This major investment reflects the values of Saco’s families in our shared future when they supported the bond, and the state’s strong commitment when it covered more than $100 million of the cost. For 20 years, Saco has waited for this opportunity — and together, we are building a brighter future for every student who calls this city home.”

Contractor for the build is Standish-based Arthur C. Dudley, Gorham-based R.J. Grondin & Sons is handling site work and Oak Point Associates, based in Biddeford, is the architect.

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