Mars Area School District’s Comprehensive Planning Community Action Committee (CPCAC) was called upon to identify the District’s vision and programming needs that will support future building renovations.

 

The committee, made up of District administrators, teachers, students, parents and community members and led by Jon M. Thomas of Thomas & Williamson Program Management, met over five months to discuss and develop recommendations for accommodating the anticipated growth of the District’s student population relative to existing school capacities

 

On March 5, members of the Mars Area School District’s Comprehensive Planning Community Action Committee presented the committee’s recommendation to the Board.

The committee is recommending an extensive 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. The existing cafeteria/kitchen would be converted into a STEAM classroom and additional administrative offices.

 

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. 

 

Through its discussions, the committee determined that implementing projects at Mars Area Elementary School and Mars Area Centennial School at the same time is “currently beyond the District’s funding limitations,” said Dr. Mark Gross, superintendent, speaking on behalf the committee. Therefore, the committee recommended that project begin with Mars Area Elementary School, which is in the greatest need of additional space.

The estimated cost of the project would be approximately $23.9 million and, if approved by the Board, could begin as early as May 2025. The total cost would be equal to around 3.81 mills in real estate taxes.

 

“When we started (this process) we wanted to talk about, not only increases in enrollment, but capacity limitations. We also talked about physical plant issues and how roadway changes (specifically Route 228) impacts our District,” said Gross. “The committee’s recommendation takes all of those things into account.” 

 

The committee had considered an alternate option, which would include a 12-classroom addition, expanded educational spaces, and a new full-size gymnasium at Mars Area Primary Center as well as a 12-classroom addition, a new cafeteria kitchen, expanded STEAM Room and administrative offices at Mars Area Elementary School. However, the committee favored the favored expansion projects at Mars Area Elementary School and Mars Area Centennial School, as it would avoid costly renovations at Mars Area Primary Center and would provide greater flexibility for alternate uses for the building.

 

Mars Area School Board is expected to discuss the committee’s recommendation at its Regular Meeting at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 12, at the District’s Administration Office. 

 

To view Comprehensive Planning Community Action Committee's presentation to the Board, click on the link below.