ADAMS TWP — A planned project at Mars Middle School took a step forward this week after school board members decided on renovation over new construction.

During Tuesday’s board meeting, Jon Thomas of Thomas & Williamson Program Management outlined the general cost and scope of work for a renovation of the existing school building at the corner of Route 228 and Three Degree Road. The discussion comes after a lengthy discussion at the previous week’s board meeting in which members considered changing the project’s scope.

Originally planned as a complete rebuild, officials recognized the additional cost of such a project would require borrowing money, which could impact future projects and necessary upgrade work throughout the district. Officials said $14.4 million has been earmarked for the project.

Thomas said the renovation project allows for items outlined in a 2015 buildings study to be addressed by importance and urgency while also keeping an eye on the budget.

“You have the distinct advantage in being able to manage your scope and your budget when you’re doing a renovation project,” he said.

The renovation would total $12.43 million, including hard and soft costs, Thomas said. The largest chunk — about 64 percent, or $7.9 million — would go toward mechanical, electrical and plumbing work. Exterior envelope work, which includes a new roof and windows, accounts for nearly $2.2 million, while interior finishing work would cost about $1.4 million.

Also included in the project is site resurfacing work, as well as new equipment for the kitchen area.

The board voted unanimously to approve the scope of work presented by Thomas & Williamson. Thomas said the board must next decide on whether to include an additional $2 million in work to gut the inside of the building and create learning “houses” — areas where class sections would be grouped together in an open learning environment.

Additionally, at the Nov. 5 board meeting, members will be asked to confirm additional details of the project, as well as potentially approve an architect firm.

Thomas said tentatively, bidding could begin at the end of March, with approval for coming in April. This would keep the project on schedule for work to begin in summer 2019 while students are out of school. He added accommodations will need to be made for students while work is happening during the school year, which could include moving them to another building for a time.

Board solicitor Thomas King added that public hearings on parts of the project will be held as the project progresses.