MASON — Another elementary school to replace the Mason Early Childhood Center would be built sometime in the next seven years under a $149 million facilities plan meant to keep up with Mason's continued growth.

        The plan, approved Wednesday evening, provides for enough classroom additions to house about 11,600 students. That's the number of students the district is expected to grow to over 10 years — about the same time the improvements should be finished. Enrollment should be about 8,000 when classes begin in September, as the district opens a new high school, said Superintendent Kevin Bright.

        Under the plan, additions and renovations of $5.4 million to $10.9 million are planned for Mason Heights, Western Row, the two buildings at the Mason Intermediate Campus, and the soon-to-open high school.

        Renovations totaling $8.4 million are planned for the middle school to bring it up to current standards.

        The plan calls for a new elementary school at a cost of $16.9 million when enrollment warrants it to replace Mason Central, which would then be used for central offices, training rooms and storage. Preschool and kindergarten students would be housed in the new building.

        “While this is a great master plan, we still have a lot of flexibility,” said Mike Brannon, assistant superintendent for operations, who worked with the Ohio School Facilities Commission to prepare the final draft. “I've got a road map to follow now for improvements.”

        Changes can be made easily as needed, Mr. Brannon said. With the plan, architects for the OSFC prepared a two-inch thick binder that describes in detail conditions at every building in the district.

        By approving the plan now, the district locks in a 25 percent reimbursement from the state provided improvements follow OSCF guidelines, said Richard Gardner, Mason Schools' treasurer. The district should be eligible to receive the money in 2009.

        About $59 million the district is spending on the new high school is eligible to be counted as the district's share of the plan, Mr. Gardner said.

        Classroom additions and the new school to replace the early childhood center might require passage of a bond issue down the road but other improvements — such as roof repair or replacements - could be paid for through the general fund, Mr. Gardner said.

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