The Mars Area School Board was presented with options for creating new flexible learning spaces within Mars Elementary School’s expansion project at its meeting Wednesday, Nov. 6.

Construction is expected to start in May, and to be completed some time in the summer of 2026. It is expected to cost $23.9 million.

The project includes a three-story addition on the northwest corner of the building, as well as potential additions and changes within the current existing building.

“It is really important to let students own a little bit more of their education and engage in a way that is not just in a classroom environment,” Mark Scheller, principal architect of the DRAW Collective, told the board. He noted that utilizing hallways and otherwise unused areas to create a “tapestry of learning spaces” can help accomplish this.

According to a news release from Mars Area School District, the completed project will fill up the three-story addition with new classrooms. There will be six dedicated kindergarten classrooms, with two additional classrooms as well. The ground-floor level will have nine classrooms, two additional learning spaces and a new cafeteria that can hold up to 330 students.

The district also is considering additional changes to the project, such as altering administration and nurse’s offices, a new building-wide public address system, a possible roof replacement and additional parking.

There also are plans to add a new parent drop-off and pick-up location in the front of the building near the new addition. The school’s playground also will be moved to the northeast part of campus.