It's something many small school districts are dealing with: Aging buildings in need of repair and renovation projects that have taxpayers on edge. It's no different for the Blacklick Valley School District.

The district has announced a renovation project that could cost them close to $7 million. But before residents start worrying, superintendent John Mastillo told 6 News they have a long way to go.

The last time the Blacklick Valley saw any type of renovation was more than 20 years ago. That's why the board said it's time improvements are made.

"Most of what you have in the building is from it's original construction in 1967," said Mastillo.

That means the original infrastructure has been around for 45 years.

"The plumbing is failing in certain areas, our maintenance people are fixing pin holes and copper piping," said Mastillo. "The electricity isn't an issue, however we need to update it."

Most of the renovations would take place inside the building, but the district officials said they'd also like to make some changes outside so that it's easier for visitors to find the entrance.

"What we're looking at doing is bringing the facility up to modern date standards, ADA compliant, those types of things," said Mastillo. "We're also looking at safety and security of staff and students."

A price tag of $6.8 million might sound steep for such a small district, but Mastillo said that number is misleading.

"When the architects give us that figure, it's inflated," said Mastillo. "They're giving us worse-case scenario. Those numbers have not been out for bid and we're not to that point yet."

And even though this year's graduating class is only 40 students, Mastilla said enrollment is growing.

"We do have a younger generation moving in," said Mastillo. "Our elementary numbers are growing."

While the plans have been laid out, the district has not made any commitments.

"Plan Con is a process," said Mastillo. "In order to get Blacklick Valley school district's name in the line of waiting, we have to go through the process."