MONROE — Construction could be under way next summer on a new complex for Monroe Local Schools, provided voters approve a $29.9 million bond issue on the Nov. 6 ballot.

        After months of planning and community input, the Monroe Board of Education agreed Monday to move forward with a single, 210,000-square foot building with separate entrances for elementary and junior/senior students. The building would be anchored by a media center, with separate areas for the community, elementary students and junior/senior high school students.

        “What we're doing is giving the opportunity for future boards of education and administrators to use a building and be able to convert it to whatever is needed at the time,” said Superintendent Arnol Elam. “You've given Monroe an opportunity for growth.”

        Should voters approve the bond issue next month, architects will again meet with educators, community members and students to ready final drawings and details. Building specifications and drawings would be ready to go out to bid early next year.

        Site preparation work would begin after the ground thaws in the spring, and construction could begin in mid- to late summer. The school would be ready for students by August 2004, Mr. Elam said.

        The plan was one of five developed by architects Steed-Hammond-Paul Inc. It would accommodate 1,700 students initially, although the core facilities — gymnasiums, auditorium and cafeteria — would be large enough for 2,000 students. It was designed so more classroom wings could be added as enrollment increases.

        A drawing from architects Steed-Hammond-Paul Inc. shows what the proposed Monroe school complex could look like.

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