The DeKalb School Board almost introduced a fourth redistricting proposal Monday night.

Suzanne Lambrecht, vice president of the school board, suggested the board should consider creating a proposal that would keep DeKalb elementary students within the city and fully utilize Brooks Elementary School, 3225 Sangamon Road.

Students from The Knolls subdivision would be bused to Malta Elementary School, 507 N. Third St., Malta, according to the original three proposals.

The proposals left room for population growth in the northwest part of DeKalb, allowing possible additional students at Brooks Elementary School in the future.

“The most – and quickest – growth is coming in Malta,” Lambrecht said.

More than 500 homes are approved and scheduled for construction in Malta in the next few years.

“I will not support a plan that does not use Brooks fully,” Lambrecht said.

Lambrecht also said parents of students from The Knolls have a reason to be upset. “They have a right to stay in DeKalb if there’s room,” she said.

The board decided 4-3 not to introduce a fourth proposal but will consider “tweaking” the three proposals as early as tonight.

“This is not the time to throw in a new proposal without seeking public input,” board member Andy Small said. “We could seriously hurt our credibility if we chose a proposal without input.”

The board also sent proposals for construction at four schools back to administration to try to cut $300,000 to $400,000 from the $5.6 million allowed for the projects.

Administration and a consulting firm will identify which items on the list of construction wants and needs could be cut. The board then will prioritize which projects to pursue. Bidding for the projects will begin today and run two and a half to three weeks.

The board also heard a proposal from Linell Lasswell, assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction, that would eliminate general math at DeKalb High School in school year 2004-’05. The plan also calls for applied math to be phased out afterward.