The expanding community has the Ames School District looking to the future in search for a new elementary school site.

“The city of Ames is witnessing growth that will cause the district to consider adding a new elementary school and possibly changing boundaries,” said Ralph Farrar, assistant superintendent of administrative services for the Ames School District.

Carolyn Jons, Ames School Board president, said enrollment has been monitored continually and there is no critical need this year, but it is important to “plan for the future.”

Jons said a site selection committee has identified three sites to consider for a new elementary school: One in the Bentwood Hillside subdivision, a lot south of the Ames Middle School, and one in the Taylor Farm development north of the city.

The site selection committee met in the summer and fall of 1995 to identify the sites that looked the most promising for the future elementary school. In October, the committee presented its recommendations to the Ames School Board. The process has now shifted to finding out which sites are available.

Farrar is in the process of contacting property owners to find out possible options for the school district.

Twelve people served on the site selection committee. Farrar said he served on the committee with parents who represent students in the nine elementary schools.