ADAMS TWP — Members of the Mars Area School Board, during a meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 11, unanimously approved a second round of bond financing for the ongoing elementary school project.

Just weeks after awarding a series of construction projects that totaled around $21.4 million, the board authorized the issuance of up to $11.875 million in general obligation bonds, which the district will repay over time with interest.

While that is the maximum amount the district will sell through underwriter PNC, business manager Debbie Brandstetter confirmed the district intends to issue about $10 million in bonds, giving it flexibility surrounding interest rates and unexpected project costs.

She said the bond sale is expected to take place in December. The district previously issued $10 million in bonds for the project last year and Brandstetter said a third and final round — estimated at $5 million to $6 million — is planned for next year to complete the project’s financing.

Superintendent Mark Gross said with the bidding process complete, the district is ready to begin construction in coming months.

“We’re waiting on some permitting and some final review,” he said. “The construction meetings have already started.”

He also said meetings between the contractors, project managers and administrators will be held every Thursday throughout the duration of the project, which will transform the elementary school and accommodate the rapid growth the district faces.

In other business, regarding the high school’s infrastructure, the board authorized a $150,085 payment to Combustion Service & Equipment Company for a hot water heater replacement. That amount will be paid for using capital project funds.

Gross called it a “failed system” and said the work should not seriously disrupt students.

“That project should not be very impactful at all to the student population just based on the location,” he said.

The board also unanimously approved the resignation of Dr. Samantha Flanhofer, who was serving as the elementary school acting assistant principal.

Gross confirmed that Flanhofer, who was a teacher before being elevated to the position, took a job at another school. He said the district does not plan to fill her role until at least the end of the school year to avoid any possible disruptions for students and teachers.

“Right now, we’re going to hope to just get by without the position until the end of the year,” he said. “We just don’t want to interrupt another teacher’s class.”