On Tuesday, July 18, 2023, a consulting firm presented a second, $48 million expansion option for the growing Mars Area School District after optioning a $36 million concept this spring. Austin Uram/Butler Eagle

ADAMS TWP — A consulting firm has presented a second, $48 million expansion option for the growing Mars Area School District after hearing a $36 million concept this spring.

Mars Area School Board held a special meeting Tuesday to hear the proposal.

“We’re going to pick up where we left off at the last presentation — where we had presented an option for what is now called ‘Option 1,’” said Jon Thomas, of Thomas and Williamson. “That was basically looking at expansions to the Primary School, expansions to the Elementary School and almost no work at Centennial.”