A decision in August would have had to been made for construction to begin next summer on a new elementary building that could open in 2011.

A new building with construction starting in March 2010 for occupancy for the 2013-14 school year is still one of the options that school board members discussed Sept. 24. Other options include buying metal buildings or trailers, converting the Middle School auditorium into classrooms and renting from schools in the area.

South Fayette Superintendent Dr. Linda Hippert released figures from a report and discussion with demographer Dr. Shelby Stewman of Carnegie Mellon University.

In that case, Hippert said "We would definitely need five new teachers" for the kindergarten classes.

In 2005, there were 161 live births in the township and using the multiplier of 1.052, that would mean 169 additional kindergartners in the 2010 -11 school year.

Hippert said according to the demographer that even in the worst case scenario, there would be a projected 20 less students at the elementary school each year and the enrollment would stabilize but could possibly increase again. Hippert said Stewman took into account the current housing slowdown in the area.

She said she spoke with township manager Mike Hoy who reported no new housing developments in the works for South Fayette. He said, however, new homes continue to be built in current developments such as the Berkshires.

Board president William Newcomer asked, "How much time do we have to look at other options?"

Hippert said the administration would like to have a decision from the board by January. "It doesn't pay to bring an architect on board until you make a decision," she said.

Board member Jeff Smith asked, "What are we supposed to base a decision on?" He added the board does not have enough information to make a decision on how to handle overcrowding.

Hippert said the administration is not recommending "special" classes on a cart, such as art and music.

She added that if the decision is made to use trailers, then "we need new ones because they (the ones the school currently use) are in poor condition."

Eventually, Hippert said, the elementary school may get so crowded that some students may have to eat lunch in their classrooms.

Board member Lena Hannah said she would like more information on each idea.

As far as the idea that Hannah had last month to rent space from Zion Church for kindergarten classes, Hippert said the church does not have the space to rent.

Board member Alan Wood said he has pushed for the former Army barracks to be used as classrooms and said at the time the district entered into an exchange agreement for the barracks, the intention was to use it for classrooms or administrative offices.

Wood said removing floor tile which has about 2 percent asbestos is not a huge issue. He added asbestos was removed from the Middle School.

Board member Frank Morelli said he wouldn't want his child going to school in the building and it would take a lot of money to get the building in shape for classes.

Wood said, "I still don't believe it (the barracks) can't be repaired," Wood said.

Hippert said, "The barracks building itself can't become a school And, how do you get the kids there?" The road to the barracks would have to be redone.

Morelli said, "I think we need a new structure or add on to the elementary school." He said the board needs to provide the students a place to learn where it doesn't interrupt their quality of education.

Board member Todd Petrillo suggested a special meeting be held in October to discuss construction.

In related business, Gene Manzini, networks system administrator, presented an inventory of items stored in the Quonset hut and trailers on the former army base property. Such things as old maintenance vehicles, trailers, shop equipment, athletic equipment and kitchen items are stored there.

Manzini also estimated costs to repair the barracks roof at $3,800. The estimate would cover removing and replacing damaged sections plus repairing gutters.

"The longer you let it go, the more damage there will be," Manzini said.

The board voted unanimously to sell or donate items from the Army property and use the money to pay for roof repairs to the barracks.

School board members Christopher Niemann, Teresa Burroughs and Leonard Fornella were absent.

The board will meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 28 in the High School Conference Center.