The Mars Area School Board is moving forward with an expansion project to create more space at their elementary school.
After a presentation by Superintendent Dr. Mark Gross last week, the board approved a recommendation by the Comprehensive Planning and Community Action Committee to proceed with renovation plans. The vote was 8 to 1 with board member Aaron Rose dissenting as he stated more due diligence needed to be done before committing.
This $24 million project includes a new wing at the elementary school with 18 grade level classrooms, seven kindergarten classrooms, five additional classrooms, and a new cafeteria/kitchen. The existing cafeteria would be converted into a STEAM classroom with administrative offices.
Once completed, the new facility would house kindergarten through third grade students with fourth graders moving to the Mars Area Centennial School after a future expansion project is completed there. The Primary Center would be held in reserve for offices, district programs, and other uses yet to be determined.
The next step of this process will see the district solicitor reach out to Thomas and Williamson to see if they can help with putting out a request for proposal for architectural services. The district is also considering candidates for construction manager.
