“I would really like the Hadley option if it were not so illogical,” Ed Palanski said.

Mrs. Bundrant said that the $4 million difference in the two options seems “like a drop in the bucket at this point” and noted that people are willing to deal with the short-term inconvenience if it means the school will remain in the same place.

Matt Grove asked what happened to the possibility of a modest renovation of the current building for about $10 million, something mentioned in an independent study of the building done by RCI Architects, New Castle.

Sarandrea said that renovating was ruled out because of the risk of what further problems with infrastructure might be uncovered once construction was underway.

If the district moves the school east, Sarandrea said the board might have to discuss busing, though they’re under no legal obligation to do so unless the service already exists for some students. There are currently students who live on the West Hill who walk more than 1.25 miles to the high school.

No timeline for a decision was given at the meeting, but Sarandrea said they’re moving forward quickly.

“I think it borders on negligence, not coming up with a plan very, very soon,” Sarandrea said.