When the new Ames Middle School is built, it will be a home for students in grades six through eight.

The decision to build was made Thursday night by the Ames School Board after approximately an hour of debate.

Both financial and social concerns of the school were discussed by many board members.

Mary Ann Dilla proposed an amendment to the motion made by President Jane Acker to build a middle school for grades six, seven, and eight.

“A building based on the amount we can borrow bothers me,” Dilla said.

Dilla proposed the six-seven-eight building be built with only two wings for seventh and eighth graders. The third and final wing, for sixth graders, would be built when the district had more available money.

John Hascall, vice president of the board, agreed with Dilla.

By his proposal, the third wing of the building would eventually be built, Dilla said, but not necessarily in two years with the rest of the building.

Dilla’s proposal became an amendment to Acker’s motion, but was defeated by a 3-2 vote. All three wings will be built at the same time.

Pat Brown, who voted against Dilla’s amendment, said Dilla’s idea would eventually cost the district more money.

Other members also had financial concerns regarding the new middle school.

Hascall said although he stood behind teacher recommendations to build a three-grade building, he had “very grave doubts about finances.”

This caused him to recommend building only two wings of the larger building.

Each board member who spoke voiced concerns about the finances available to the school district to build the new school.

Mark Snell asked the board what the difference of $200,000 would do for the school. The six-seven-eight building would cost about $1.3 million compared to the $1.1 million for a seventh and eight grade building.

Those that supported Acker’s motion to build a three-grade building had concerns as well.

Gloria Symons asked the district to make a commitment to address the impact of a larger school on low-achieving or academically challenged students, regardless of which grade configuration was chosen.

Symons said she wants every child to believe there is an adult available to address his or her personal concerns, especially in a larger school.

The idea of ownership and the opportunity to build a sense of belonging, Symons said, is a key factor in dropouts.

Board members were also worried the larger school might affect the district as a whole.

A larger school might be good for the sixth graders, but it could shortchange other grades, Hascall said.

Acker disagreed. “[The larger school] does a better job of meeting the needs of pre-adolescents,” she said.

She said the teachers’ recommendation was an expert recommendation.

“They are not only experts, but they are our experts,” Acker said.