The Mt. Lebanon school board appeared to reach a consensus last night in eliminating three of the five building alternatives for a proposed new senior high school.

With residents and some directors alike referring to options 1 and 1A as "band-aids," it is unlikely the board will pursue a simple renovation (projected cost: $103.2 million) of the existing six-building complex. The 1A alternative ($123.9 million) calls for renovation of the existing 545,255 square feet, as well as the "reinventing" of Building C, a large addition around the back of the school.

The seven board members present also appeared to dismiss Alternative 2A ($156.3 million). Existing fine and performing arts areas would be renovated, but the rest of the high school would be built anew. This option is only $1.6 million less than building an entire, new complex.

Board member Daniel Remely added another alternative, however.

Applying cost estimates used in the other proposals from construction manager Dick Corp., Mr. Remely and President Alan Silhol -- who was absent due to a back injury -- devised a $90 million plan that would result in 240,000 square feet of new construction, in addition to 200,000 feet of renovated space.

It was agreed the proposed alternative would be considered at a future date.

The district's debt limit is such that it cannot borrow more than $110 million without conducting a referendum for approval. Most of the residents who spoke at the meeting, which attracted about 200 to the high school's fine arts theater, said they were in favor of spending "whatever it takes" to create an up-to-date educational facility.

"If we're just a community that strives to get by, then we're not Mt. Lebanon any more," resident David Brumfield said.