The one problem is money. With the state legislature still in special session working on a budget, the $5 million state grant the Marysville School District is waiting on still is in limbo.

That’s not all the state money the district is relying on for the project. In an effort to help the school recover from the deadly shooting last fall, the state also will provide the district’s local match to pay for the rest of the 16,000-square-foot facility.

The old cafeteria where the shooting took place will be demolished. The new food commons would be built near the football stadium on the east end of the campus. The hope is to open it in the fall of 2016.

Long-term plans for the future would include tearing down the old classrooms and putting a two-story building near the food commons. The current pool, performing arts center and gym would remain. The main entrance to the campus would then move to the east end, near the stadium.

The new food commons would be a multi-use facility. It would serve up to 400 high school students, but also cook food for six elementary schools. A group of about 20 people from all areas of the community helped decide what was needed.

They wanted it close to the gym and stadium for after-game events.

They would like a student store to be part of it, along with a student plaza, Associated Student Body offices and restrooms.

The panel also wanted a stage that also could be used by the community, too. The performance platform could be used for open microphone events and other entertainment.

School board member Chris Nation asked if any old kitchen equipment could still be used to save money.

But Bill Chaput of Huttleball and Oremus Architects said, “It’s my understanding it’s past its useful life, old kitchen stuff,” but he could take another look at it.

Nation also asked if any renewable energy products such as solar panels had been considered.

Chaput told him not with the current budget.

“Not unless you can fund beyond what the state” is funding, he added.

However, the concept plan does have some nice features anyway, such as an area to open up when the weather is nice, and a roof that sticks out to protect people from the rain. Other features being looked at include a culinary arts classroom, a learning lab, an espresso stand, a place to charge personal electronic devices and a gluten-free section.

Superintendent Becky Berg was concerned about safety, with all of the windows allowing increased visibility.

“Transparency improves safety,” Chaput said. “Security is always on our minds.”