If growth keeps up, we're going to be short classrooms in about two years. The high school won't open until August 2002, with the recreation center following six to nine months later. Preschool and kindergarten children would remain at the Mason Early Childhood Center. Projections call for the district to continue growing by 600 to 700 students each year for the next several years, Mr. Bright said. In the past three years, the district has averaged 600 new students each year, with 709 new students enrolling from October 1998 to October 1999, bringing enrollment to 6,109 students.
Nothing is firm yet.
Among options being looked at are renting portable modular classrooms and renting space from nearby churches, Mr. Bright said. Putting modular classrooms in is not something this community has wanted to do in the past. You have to put down concrete slabs, put in ramps, railings and hook up utilities. Along with planning for classrooms, the district is also looking at financial needs, Mr. Bright said. Projections call for the district to remain solvent through June 2002.