(KNZA)--The Prairie Hills USD 113 Board of Education is exploring possible facility improvements.

Superintendent Todd Evans said architect Robert Hanson was present at Monday's board meeting to answer questions about the process for potential facility improvements at the Sabetha Elementary School.

Hanson presented a cost estimate of more than $4 million ( $4,067,639) for renovation of the school and a two-classroom addition.

A facility improvement committee was selected consisting of board members Leslie Scoby, Kent Saylor and Jim Scoby.

Evans noted the process is still in the preliminary planning stages.

He said the board decided re-location of the 5th grade to the middle school is a closed item. He said the board is focusing their energy and resources on improving the school to continue to serve pre-school through 5th grades.

As the board is considering facility improvement projects, Evans said the need to have the authority to increase the capital outlay levy was discussed. The current resolution is effective for the next 5 years and allows for a levy up to 6 mills. Evans said a resolution will be presented at the March board meeting increasing the authority to not exceed 7 mills for a period of six years.

In other business, Evans said the Board approved a class for transitional kindergarten next school year at the Sabetha Elementary School. It's intend to be the 1st year of a two-year kindergarten program. The purpose is to build a bridge between the pre-school years and traditional kindergarten.

Following an executive session, the USD 113 Board approved one-year contract extensions for the district's principals and Director of Student Learning Jennifer Gatz through fiscal year 2022.