About 50 Lyle School District residents have responded to surveys sent out by the district about the possibility of a new construction at the school, said Superintendent Jerry Reshetar Monday at the school board meeting.

Reshetar anticipates "major returns" on the surveys before Christmas break.

From the responses so far, the cost is on most resident's minds.

"The main thing so far is they want to keep our school, but let's look at something we can afford," Reshetar said.

The school board proposed an $11.1 million school construction project in late summer. Lyle residents voted down the proposal Nov. 5. At public meetings before the vote, many were concerned about a substantial increase in their property taxes as well as whether the school would stay open long enough to make the cost worth it.

The school district has looked into ways to make new construction more affordable, such as cutting the additional gym and cafeteria from the plans.

School board member Darci Kline visited the Grand Meadow monolithic dome school and had noticed the district saved desks, chairs and other equipment for the new building. The Lyle plan had called for all new furniture and classroom equipment.

Reshetar and some of the board members plan a Dec. 18 visit to Medford to look at its new school, which was completed this year. The construction bids for that school came in lower than expected, Reshetar said. The board will also look at the kinds of materials that were used for that school, he said.

In other business, the board:

n Approved the treasurer's report. Donations for the gym floor, which was replaced in 2000, are still coming in. Donations for the floor are up to $27,164, $18,836 away from the total cost of the floor.

n Approved putting a liquid asset of $1,700 from an old administrator's name into Reshetar's name. Board member Randy Fett suggested that money be put into another account. The members agreed and some suggested it be put toward the gym floor. No action on the account can be taken until it is put in the superintendent's name.

n Approved the hiring of a new special education aide. Tamara Blum started the week of Thanksgiving. Teresa Slowinski, the former aide, accepted a position with the Austin School District.

n Approved amendments to the Southeastern Service Co-op regulations. The Southeastern Service Co-op provides services such as Internet and health care to schools that belong to the service. Being part of the co-op helps the schools save money on those services, Reshetar said.

The school board is scheduled to meet next at 7 p.m. Jan. 27.

Cari Quam can be reached at 434-2235 or by e-mail at cari.quam@austindailyherald.com