Will it be the new building in the downtown location, the old buildings in the downtown location, the Isenberg School location, a location on Heilig Road, or something else entirely?

The Rowan-Salisbury School Board is getting ever closer to a final decision and plan of action.  And Monday’s meeting could  tell the story and set the course.  Board of Education Chairman Dr. Jim Emerson said he hopes board members will come to a decision, and end a conversation that has been going on for 23 years.

At the forefront of the discussion will be the potential new location in downtown Salisbury.  County Commissioners last month passed a motion to allow the district to spend up to $6 million on a facility to consolidate its various administrative offices.  With that offer, the school board can vote to build a facility anywhere it wants.  However, the downtown location comes with a nearly $9.4 million price tag, meaning additional funds will be needed if that site is chosen.

A set of buildings owned by Post Publishing has a considerably lower price tag, but presents problems of parking and building functionality.  A Heilig Road location hasn’t officially been offered, only considered.  And a fresh facility near Isenberg Elementary School could cost even more that the downtown location in the long run.

The school board will meet at 5 p.m. Monday at the Long Street Administrative Office in East Spencer to talk it over.