ST. PAUL, Neb. -- A special election in March could impact the school facilities for hundreds of children in central Nebraska. 

St. Paul Public Schools is currently using a building that opened in 1923 for fourth, fifth and sixth grade classes, but that soon could change. The district has a nearly $18 million bond issue on the ballot in March. If approved by voters, the district would build a whole new building.

Superintendent Adam Patrick said it’s been a long time coming. 

“It’s been a great building for us, but needs some repairs so debating whether or not to make repairs to the building or to look at new construction and it ultimately landed on new construction,” Patrick said. 

The three-story building would be demolished and replaced by a two-story building with modern classrooms, an improved performing arts space, the addition of 70 parking spaces, and enhancement to the activities entrance and commons area. 

Patrick said it would greatly benefit children's education. 

“So, their learning environment would be greatly enhanced just through new construction, modern classrooms," Patrick said. "We were in a science room earlier, having sinks and things like that, so that the teachers would have better resources to provide instruction for kids.”

To fund the project, the Board of Education adopted a resolution to call for a mail-in election. 

Ballots are due on March 12, but in the meantime, community meetings are scheduled for Feb. 8, 18, and 27 to provide detailed information to the public.  

“You know, a town that always took a lot of pride in itself, wants to have good facilities for students, takes pride in education,” said Patrick. "You know it really means something to be a Wildcat, and the community has always been in support of that, so just looking forward to seeing that continued."

If it's approved, the district hopes to start construction sometime during the summer. Construction would take about two years.