ST. JOHN | Lake Central school officials are moving forward with the formal process that will lead to a special referendum in the spring for renovation of the Lake Central High School site at an estimated cost of $93 million to $97 million.

According to new state rules that when into effect in July, any new high school construction project in excess of $20 million must be voted on by the public. The special election will take place in April or May.

At last night's meeting, the School Board approved a resolution that allows administrators to proceed with plans related to renovation and new construction at the high school, Freshmen Center and Service Center.

"It is vital to provide a quality learning environment and support," Superintendent Gerald Chabot said.

A referendum team will be created and include a parent/patron task force, OWP/P Architects, the construction management firm Envoy, Inc., JMA Architects, Shank Public Relations, City Securities financial advisers and several law firms.

The resolution also says all vendor contracts will be individually approved.

A timeline and schedule of legal hearings will be developed.

A single vote will be taken as opposed to bringing several different referendums to voters over the course of several years, Chabot said.

The district is expected to have multiple bond issues as a way of getting the best rates and saving money for taxpayers instead of selling one bond issue.

The master plan originally contained seven phases but has been reduced to four phases. Consolidating the phases saves money on soft costs and capitalized interest of about $4 million, Chabot said.

The first two phases were funded from capital projects and included the Town Hall center project this past summer and the cafeteria expansion next summer.

The entire four-phase proposed project is expected to be completed by 2014, said Chris LaFollette, of Envoy, Inc.

The plan includes the addition or renovation of 24 classrooms, an auditorium, music rooms, parking, library, relocation of the track and new administration center and transportation center.