Seventy-four more students enrolled at Summerville High School today as the schools in Dorchester District Two continue to burst at the seams. School officials recognize that they have a huge problem and they're going to fix it.

The school board today looked at the district's building and construction needs that it feels are necessary to improve the learning environment for the ever increasing student population.

With so much attention paid to new schools in Dorchester District Two, like Cane Bay and Ashley Ridge, very little is paid to the older schools, like Newington Elementary that is over 30 years old. 

"We're beginning to see the strain and how we've stretched over the years to keep things put together,” according to Joe Pye, the district superintendent.

Pye admits that the board, in the past, has under funded the budget for some of the basic needs of other schools and now it's time to play catch up.

At today's special board workshop, members looked at making a draft of long range plans for facility needs, including another new elementary school that would open in 2011.

All of the older schools need either additions or renovations.

"We're talking about enlarging some of the schools, relocating space within the schools,” Pye said.

The schools also need cosmetic repairs, heating and A/C unit upgrades and new roofs.

And all this comes with a potentially hefty price tag.

"We have to come out with all the needs. We have to have a comprehensive plan that the community will see that we're trying to position ourselves to be able to handle the growth we're dealing with," Pye said.

An example of how much the district is growing can be seen at  Newington Elementary that needs a larger cafeteria. Right now lunch starts at 9:45 a.m. and doesn't end until 1:00 p.m. Each class has only about 18 minutes to eat.   A referendum may be needed to fund these projects.