McKeesport Area School District could soon get a new look.

Directors said last week the steadily declining enrollment projected in a 2006 consultant's study is forcing them to consider an estimated $30 million to $40 million districtwide renovation and construction project that would include building two new elementary schools.

The new buildings would replace aging Centennial, George Washington and possibly White Oak Elementary schools. Directors projected that at least one new facility could open for the 2010 school year.

"After much discussion, the consensus appears to favor construction of two elementary schools, possibly one around White Oak and another near Cornell Middle School," said Joseph Chiaverini, chairman of the Building and Grounds Committee.

"Our thinking is driven by changing demographics that will impact the dynamics of the school district," he said.

He said cost estimates for renovating some schools plus construction of a new building would fall between $16 million to $30 million.

"We requested the administration to consider a new K-6 class structure that would enable the district to operate with only two elementary buildings, possibly Cornell as a combined middle school and the high school educational complex," Mr. Chiaverini said.

The district's total student enrollment is 4,151. The study projects an enrollment drop to 3,463 for the 2012 school year.

Board President Wayne Washowich previously mentioned Francis McClure Middle School as a possible elementary school site.

Director David Donato said a new elementary building should be centrally located "somewhere in the vicinity" of the high school.

"That area is an ideal site with Helen Richey Field next door and Renzie Park just across Eden Park Boulevard. Property acquisition might be a problem. But most of it is low-density residential. We might be forced to consider eminent domain," he said.

Mr. Chiaverini expected directors to approve a public hearing date for the project soon.

Representatives of L. Robert Kimball and Associates will attend the hearing to present details of a $30,000 study the engineering-consulting firm did. The 73-page study includes a condition analysis of all school buildings.

"Although the board has an idea of what the scope of the project should be, we don't want to move forward without considering input from taxpayers who ultimately will foot the bill," Mr. Chiaverini said.

The board also was expected to authorize the advertising for bids in April for replacement of the visitors side bleachers which is Phase One of a proposed two-year $2.2 million renovation of Weigle-Schaeffer Stadium.

"The board will authorize starting two separate major capital projects around the same time that will have different ending dates," Mr. Chiaverini said.

"Phase Two of stadium renovations will conclude by next year while the big project is scheduled to end in 2011. I don't want people to think the board considers stadium renovations a higher priority than new schools,'' he said.