When it was built in 1937, Cousens Memorial School in Lyman was considered one of the most modern schools of its time, according to historical records.

More than 70 years later, the town's three-member Board of Selectmen want to update the building and open it to the 21st century.

The school was a part of School Administrative District 57 until five years ago, when the new Lyman Elementary School was built. A Headstart Program and a Spurwink-affiliated program were in the building until two years ago, when Cousens School was vacated.

Residents voted at town meeting June 5 to accept the building, and the seven acres of prime real estate that surrounds it, from the school district for future use by the town and local organizations.

Few, if any, people seemed opposed to accepting ownership of the building again, according to James Gardner, the town's code enforcement officer, and its state Rep. Joe Wagner, who, with two selectmen, toured the school recently.

"I haven't heard anybody opposed to it," said Gardner. "Many people who went to school there still live in town. It has romantic high value."

According to Gardner, any proposed action would need approval by town meeting.

The building's condition needs to be evaluated, said Gardner, who said the building would need "significant changes" to meet mandated life safety codes.

Selectmen Leo Ruel and Norm Hutchins met Wagner, D-Lyman, for a walk through the school July 3 to evaluate the condition of the building and enlist Wagner's help in getting grants to help with the cost of anticipated renovations.

About $30,0000 has already been earmarked by residents at a June 29 special town meeting for heating and plowing this winter and to begin repairs on the roof, which leaks in places.

"At least keep it so it doesn't get any worse," said Hutchins.

Cousens School was built to replace a one-room schoolhouse at Jackson Corner and two other schools in town. Sub-primary through eighth-grade students were educated in the building. In 1964 two rooms were added to provide additional space and, in 1966, the school was incorporated in to SAD 57.

One of the first things visitors see is a portrait and plaque honoring the school's benefactor, Horace D. Cousens, (1818-1901). According to the account in the town report, Cousens donated an unknown amount of money toward the $19,000 cost to build the school.

Despite their age, the wood floors shine, but the tile in the basement is cracked and crumbling. Some walls are in decent shape, but there are water stains on the ceiling and the downstairs carpet is moldering.

But when Hutchins, who is spearheading the renovation effort, looks around the school, he sees its potential along with the problems.

"Hopefully, we'll make it a community building for the Boy Scouts, historical society" and other organizations, he said. "There's different things we could do to raise money" and recruit community volunteers.

"Whatever it takes," said Hutchins, who is thinking of fundraisers such as bingo and serving suppers from the full kitchen in the basement.

But it will take a lot of bean suppers to raise the money needed - estimated to be as high as $500,000, according to a study done two years ago by the school district - to remove asbestos and mold, along with other work.

That's where Wagner comes in.

Wagner, who studiously took notes on the tour, said he will look into applying for a grant from the Maine-based Libra Foundation, which provides money to local nonprofit enterprises. But first he needs a plan to work from when applying for grants.

Ruel and Hutchins see potential space for storage, offices and a community center, or even more.

"I'd like to see it turn in to something instead of just sitting here," said Hutchins. " 'Multi-purpose community center.' If you couch it that way there's a lot of possibilities."

"We need storage bad," said Ruel. "We have no room left whatsoever" in the Town Hall on South Road, built just a few years ago.

"It's a perfect spot for Town Hall," said Hutchins.

The town would have moved its Town Hall to the Cousens School, but the school district would not give it up at the time.

Gardner thinks the school has far more room than the town needs.

"We could fit in a quarter of the building," he said.

The warren of rooms, full kitchen and stage that looks out over a large classroom lends itself to meeting rooms and offices, the men agree. Hutchins said he would draw up a floor plan to give to Wagner and "firm up" what the selectmen want to propose.

"There's a fantastic amount of potential here," said Wagner. "It's just up to what the community wants to do with it."

"There's so many ways it could go," said Gardner. "There's no way to know at this time. Now it's awaiting for someone to come up with a plan."