By Erica Solvig
The Cincinnati Enquirer

DEERFIELD TWP. - Kings Board of Education has gotten a glimpse of what could be done to improve and expand the high school and junior high campus.

Last week, the board received three preliminary redesign options from Voorhis Slone Welsh Crossland Architects. The Mason-based firm was hired in August to assess the two buildings on Columbia Road.

These redesign plans are far from being complete, said Earl Crossland, a partner in the firm that has done work in Mason and Loveland school districts. The assessment is expected to be finalized in January.

Among the potential plans is a centralized kitchen for both buildings with separate cafeterias. Other ideas include creating a performing arts area, including a larger music room and new auditorium, near a new entryway that would face Kings Mill Road.

All three options aim to improve traffic flow, including separate staff and student parking and separate drop-off routes for buses and parents.

"It's kind of exciting because you can see what it can become," Superintendent David Query said. "It will be almost like a brand-new facility on this existing area."

The district might even expand the campus beyond its current 63 acres. Mr. Query said the district is talking with Paramount's Kings Island about acquiring another 32 acres between the school and the campsite.

Plans also could change as the architects get feedback from the community as well as the committee of staff, parents and residents that's helping develop the plan.

It would cost the district $22.5 million to reach what the state says Kings must have to meet its growth needs, Mr. Crossland said. The Ohio State Facilities Commission would foot part of that bill.

Anything beyond the baseline, however, is funded locally. The architects estimated the price tag could reach about $40 million if they added everything on the staff's "wish list."

The preliminary ideas were developed after months of interviews with staff and administration. The assessment cost $24,700.

E-mail esolvig@enquirer.com