A new proposed Lyle School plan costs $7.9 million -- less than any plan the school board has seen so far.

The board members commented Monday at their meeting that they like the new plan, which would build new on another site instead of renovating the current school.

"I like this set up compared to what we had before," said school board member Randy Fett.

But where a new school would be built is holding up any plans to seriously consider this new option.

There are few plots of land within city limits big enough for a new school.

The board and Superintendent Jerry Reshetar decided they don't want to build on the west side of U.S. 218 because it would put children at risk if they needed to cross the highway.

They would need to cross the highway because the playing fields would stay at their current location.

The board is eying a 34-acre lot just north of the school for building, but have yet to talk to the owner about the possibility of acquiring it.

Reshetar also talked about building to the north and west on its current property and building onto the street running north of school property. That street could then be moved.

With this plan, the school could keep its current gymnasium, which recently got a new floor that hasn't been completely paid for yet.

But Reshetar hasn't asked the architect if this option would be possible and moving a road would require the county's permission.

School Board President Dwight DeBoer also suggested building where the athletic fields are located and moving the fields to a 22-acre lot south of town.

But even if Lyle finds a suitable plot of land, the state determines how much the school needs based on its population.

The Lyle school board has been trying to find a plan to build a 300-capacity school with updated classrooms and equipment that also satisfies voters since spring 2002. Voters turned down an $11.1 million school in November, with many saying it was too expensive.

The board sent out a survey afterward and worked with a new architect to create four plans based off survey responses. A meeting April about the plans showed that voters still didn't think they could afford the plans, ranging in price from $8.7 million to $9.9 million.

This time, the board asked the architect, Smiley Glotter and Nyberg, to draft a plan that comes in under $8 million. Building off-site is less expensive because remodeling costs drive the cost higher than it would to build new. The plan also does not include ground source heating, which added $1 million to the four plans presented in the spring.

The near $8 million estimate for the school includes demolition of the current school, but not the cost of land. The school would use its capital fund to pay for land.

DeBoer agreed to speak with the owner of the 34-acre lot. Once they know that answer, the board can determine what to do next.

"We might as well ask," DeBoer said.

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