05/27/2026
What: Oceanside High School Auditorium Renovation Plan and student performance of Clue
When: 6 p.m. Friday, May 29
Where: Oceanside High School auditorium
Why: The Oceanside High School Auditorium is in need of a renovation for myriad reasons, and the RSU is well poised to undergo this work thanks in part to a grant. RSU 13 staff and administrators along with a group of volunteers, Funding Our Futures, are coming together to fundraise for $1.6 million to help us unlock 40% matching funds ($1.17 million) that we were awarded in a federal congressional grant last November. This method combines a strategic use of congressional funds with local fundraising efforts in order to not impact taxes at the local level. We hope you can join this exciting kickoff event and look forward to what the future may hold for our performances in the space!
From a recent Press Release by Stephen Betts:
“Regional School Unit 13 administrators and members of Funding Our Future, a volunteer committee organized to support critical upgrades to school facilities through private fundraising, is inviting the public to gather for a design unveiling and fundraising kick-off event to be held 6 p.m. Friday, May 29 at Oceanside High School auditorium.
Following the event, attendees are invited to stay for OHS Theater’s 7 p.m. performance of “Clue”.
The event will include a short informational presentation to include design schematics for the OHS auditorium renovation and upgrade project that was recently awarded federal funding through bipartisan support of Maine’s Congressional delegation, Sens. Angus King and Susan Collins, and Rep. Chellie Pingree.
The $1.17 million federal award, designated as a matching fund, presents the communities served by RSU13 with a “historic opportunity to invest directly in the future of the school,” the district stated in a news release.
According to the district administration, the completion of this project will directly benefit: arts excellence by providing upgraded facilities, lighting, and sound for the highly successful theater and music programs; expand student opportunities by creating a state-of-the-art venue that can host larger assemblies, academic competitions, and a wider range of school-wide events; and community connection by offering a modern, accessible, and high-quality space for other local groups and organizations, thereby deepening the bonds between the school and community.
A committee named “Funding our Future,” has been established and comprised of volunteers committed to raising the necessary matching funds rather than bonding the project and increasing the costs to local property taxpayers.
In November 2025, the district was notified that it would receive $1.17 million for the auditorium project. The goal of the project is to expand student opportunities by ‘creating a state-of-the-art venue that can host larger assemblies, academic competitions, and a wider range of school-wide events.’”
