East Lyme — The Board of Education took another look Tuesday at options for the district’s elementary-school facilities, from constructing a new complex to renovating two of the buildings. A 2010 feasibility study had shown the buildings faced structural issues and needed repairs.

On Tuesday, architects from Kaestle Boos Associates outlined construction proposals with updated costs to the board. Renovating Lillie B. Haynes and Flanders Elementary School “as new” would cost $54,946,827 - $39,657,296 after state reimbursement. Building a new complex would cost $58,793,301 in total, with a net cost of $44,950,291.

A new complex, potentially at the site of Haynes or Flanders, could comprise a “lower school” wing for pre-kindergarten to first grade and an “upper-school” for second to fourth grades, according to the presentation. The complex could have two gyms, for example, as well as shared spaces, such as a cafeteria.

Under the “renovate as new” option, architects could consult with school staff to design features for the building, Lombardo said.

Last month, a task force studying proposals for the schools had recommended renovating Haynes and Flanders as new and closing Niantic Center School. The Facilities Vision Task Force’s second recommendation was building a new complex and closing all three schools. Another option was renovating all the schools as new.

Lombardo said the project, which would require town approval, remains in the early stages and emphasized the importance of learning all the data before moving forward. But he explained that now could be the least expensive time to begin building, since state reimbursement is based on the highest projected enrollment over the next 8 years, and projections predict the district’s enrollment will decrease in the future. In general, the cost of building is also comparatively low now, he added.

First Selectman Paul Formica said at the meeting that he would  look into the best time for bonding.