The system is looking at several scenarios concerning the housing of elementary students and setting the school calendar. Clouding the picture are the construction schedules for the new Westside and New Holland elementary schools.

But, "whether the new schools open late or on time, we have a plan that will work for all the (elementary) schools," said Assistant Superintendent Shirley Whitaker.

The new schools will start instruction next year, but Westside students may be housed at Centennial Elementary and New Holland students at Fair Street Elementary until the new buildings are open, Whitaker said.

Principals Merrianne Dyer of Fair Street and Elfreda McRae of New Holland already have worked out room assignments. And Centennial principal Susan Gilliam is working with eventual Westside faculty on space.

Also, the year could start after Labor Day for all schools or just for Westside.

Westside, which is off McEver Extension and Spring Road, is further along in construction than New Holland, which could open in January 2004, said James Branson, assistant to the superintendent.

The New Holland site is off Jesse Jewell Parkway and Barn Street.

"I'm hoping for a mid-August start (systemwide)," Branson said.

Branson said weather is a major factor in the construction schedule. A rainy month can seriously delay a building project.

"We've got a good schedule," he said. "It's tight, but it's workable."

The schools will cost about $7 million each. A five-year, 1-cent sales tax approved by voters in September 2001 will finance the projects.

Growth in the school system prompted the need for the new schools.

The system grew from about 4,200 students last year to some 4,500 this year. The system could have 4,800 students by 2003-04.

Currently, the system is operating with 54 classrooms in either trailers or modular units.