Facing a student population boom that is expected to double by 2010, higher land prices and increasing construction costs, the two government bodies met over dinner at the Gainesville Civic Center to discuss what it will take to build more schools. The school board and city council hold quarterly meetings to discuss issues of common interest.

"We're going to have to look at ways to create the space we need," city schools Superintendent Steve Ballowe said.

Although he said area schools experienced "level" growth in the past year, a sudden increase of even a few hundred students could force the system to scramble for ways to purchase more land and buildings or add temporary classrooms.

About 4,200 students were enrolled in city schools this year. The figure is expected to double over the next several years, said James Branson, Gainesville schools' assistant to the superintendent.

"City growth is coming in our direction," Branson told council members. "But our numbers right now don't justify asking the public (to approve) bonds."

The addition of two new elementary schools next year will accommodate up to 700 more children. About 2,325 children attend the city's five elementary schools.

Construction work should start soon at New Holland Elementary off Jesse Jewell Parkway after contract bids open next week. Westside Elementary off McEver Road Extension should be open by fall 2004.

In the next few years, Gainesville High School will near its capacity of 1,400 students.

The biggest worry is what to do about space at the middle school, which has added more than 10 modular classrooms to manage overflow of its 750 student-capacity.

With no budgetary plans in sight to handle unexpected growth of middle schoolers, Branson told council members funding will be a top issue.

School board members Lee Highsmith and Frank Harben asked about ways to set aside property for future schools to ensure spending more dollars on a bigger building and less on land acquisitions.

"We can't just buy greenspace to take large tracts of land," Harben said. "There are other areas in the city that could be utilized."

Only one development so far included land acquisition plans, according to Assistant City Manager Bryan Shuler.

He said the school system has an option to buy up to 40 acres from the Sussex development, which was annexed recently into the city, Shuler said.

Monday's discussion marks the third meeting this year for the council and school board. They meet again on the first Monday in January.