School board members, building administrators and special committee members met Wednesday night to discuss a possible third referendum attempt.

Superintendent Brian Ali presented a referendum survey response compiled from all levels of schools. The survey included reasons why the referendum failed, the strengths and weaknesses of the referendum campaign and what needs to be done to ensure a successful referendum.

Key components discussed during the meeting were the use of the Malta High School building, obtain greater staff support, redistricting and overcrowding. Ali and other building administrators said the most important aspect would be the strength of advertising and marketing toward the districts that heavily opposed the Nov. 5 referendum.

Ali said that if the school board didn’t pursue a referendum in April, it would send the wrong message to everyone in the district.

“It could be easily construed to be [the referendum] wasn’t as important as it was purported to be,” Ali said.

Dr. Geraldine Crider, principal of Chesebro Elementary, said if residents of District 428 saw a concrete plan, there could be a more approval for the referendum.

“We were definitely closer this time than the first time,” Crider said. “If there was a definite plan on where the fifth grade would go, and a definite plan where additions would go, there would definitely be some yes votes that were no’s.”

She added that a new referendum would need more support from those who don’t have children in the school district.

Merri-lynne Seaburg, Jefferson Elementary principal, said her school has survived without additional funding, but soon would be in dire need of growth.

“We’ve been able to take overflows but we’re filling up and we’re filling up fast,” Seaburg said.

Mary Haddad, Brooks Elementary principal, said she initially thought having a referendum on April 1 is too soon. She changed her mind because the school board now has nothing to lose with an April 1 referendum.

Ali said that everyone in the district is at a desperate point with overcrowding and therefore a new referendum is essential.

“I think we have no choice,” Ali said. “We have everything to gain and nothing to lose. If [a referendum] doesn’t occur on April 1, then we’d have to be up front and say this is what’s going to occur if schools don’t receive additional funding.”