The Mars School District is entering what is destined to be another interesting, positive era, this one focused on updating the high school.

It isn't too early for district residents to start attending board meetings to learn about what is being planned and what the financial impact on taxpayers is likely to be, and to voice opinions. It's too late to offer ideas or to complain about project specifics when construction contracts have been awarded and construction has begun — and the tax implications of the project start being felt.

On Thursday, another informal discussion regarding the high school took place, with administrators and board members focusing on the possibility of a new or renovated rear wing. Other than the district officials present, only one district resident attended.

As the project continues to evolve, that "delegation of one" interested person should be accompanied by many more residents. An informed public does not become a victim of misinformation and is unlikely to be surprised with contruction or financial developments.

At a similar meeting in December, it was pointed out that every department at the school currently is competing for space and resources and that the electrical and technological infrastructures are inadequate.

With the district continuing to experience growth and the accompanying influx of families, this is an important juncture for the school system to address current and future needs — before the district experiences an overcrowding crisis.

It also is notable that district officials are acknowledging the challenge not only Mars, but other school districts, will be facing in the future in regard to preparing young people for careers that might not even exist at this time.

"We are looking into the future, and we need your help," said Anna Saker, high school prinicipal.

Saker presented a list of needs that she said the proposed high school project should address, such as an engineering and robotics area.

Thursday's meeting began with a presentation by board vice president Kim Geyer that stressed the point that successful high schools of the future will prepare students for the workforce by more carefully teaching skills required for the work world.

"It's no longer going to be 'what do you know,' it's going to be 'what are your skills that you can contribute to our organization,' " Geyer said.

Everything that district officials currently are considering will come with a significant price tag; that is the most obvious aspect of the project at this early stage.

With the high school student population projected to increase to between 1,050 and 1,200 students by 2010, from the current 980 students, the district finds itself coping with a growth situation similar to what the Seneca Valley School District has been encountering.

Mars is a desirable area for families seeking to relocate, especially from crowded areas like metropolitan Pittsburgh and its suburbs.

For Mars school officials, that will continue to pose challenges.

Fortunately, they understand the challenges and the task at hand and are continuing to move forward.

Residents not directly associated with the operation of the school district should strive — indeed, they have a responsibility — to remain up to date on the events and decisions that are developing as the district prepares for the future.