Mars Area School Board voted 7-0 in favor of contracting with Davis Demographics MGT to complete an yearlong demographics study of Mars Area School District at a cost of $19,500.

 

The study, which will include GIS (Geographic Information System) data preparation and student forecasts, will offer the District a detailed look at a projected increase in enrollment over the next several years. The District last conducted  demographics study in 2017.

 

“We want to get a nice good new (K-12) snapshot,” said Dr. Mark Gross, superintendent. “It’s well worth the money, given what we are going to be spending later on renovations.” 

 

The Board recently interviewed three architectural firms for an estimated $23.9 million expansion project at Mars Area Elementary School, which would include a new wing with 18 grade level classrooms, seven (7) kindergarten classrooms, five (5) additional classrooms, and a new cafeteria/kitchen.

 

Once the project is completed, Mars Area Elementary School would be equipped to house Grades K-3, with a plan to move Grade 4 to Mars Area Centennial School upon the completion of a future expansion project at that building. Mars Area Primary Center would be held in reserve for administration offices, District-wide programs, and other yet-to-be-determined uses.

 

In March, the District’s Comprehensive Planning Community Action Committee recommended the that Board consider the above building changes to address an increasing student population that is being driven by numerous new housing developments that under construction and planned throughout the District. The demographics study will occur simultaneously to the planning and design process for the Elementary School project.

 

For more information, call (724) 625-1518.