Eastside Elementary School, closed by Niles Community Schools last year, could reopen as a magnet school or a New Tech preparatory school, school officials said Tuesday night at a community meeting.

The meeting drew more than 100 parents, teachers and administrators to the Eastside building to discuss ideas for the potential reopening of the school. The attendees were divided into classrooms where they heard presentations from school administrators and brainstormed ideas for what to do with the building.

Supt. Richard Weigel said his idea for the building is to use it as a K-8 New Tech preparatory school. Niles High School is adding a New Tech school wing and its project-based learning style next year.

The Niles New Tech Entrepreneurial Academy is considered a progressive school where students use technology to complete group projects as they would in a professional work environment.

Weigel was candid in sharing his goals for the building.

“I’d like to put a couple of million dollars into this building, try to pass a small bond,” he said. “We’re looking for the Eastside community’s support.”

But Weigel said nothing is set in stone and wants community input. Another option would be be to use the building as a magnet school. The Niles district would be the first one in southwest Michigan to have such a school.

Ideas from those in attendance for the focus of the specialized school were varied, including the arts, music, science and technology.

Architects have reviewed the building and determined that the district would need to invest $200,000 to reopen the building and have it safe for students. The cost includes improvements to the fire suppression system, door hardware, handicap accessibility, paint, lighting and carpeting.

“The building needs help,” Weigel said.

Robin Hadrick, principal at Oak Manor, said that in order to reopen the school, it would need to either be cost neutral or profit the district. That would mean no transportation and no principal at the building. It would also mean that at least 100 students would have to enroll in the school.

Weigel said the district has been in talks with Lake Michigan College and Western Michigan University about leasing them the second floor, which could serve as another source of revenue.

One of the main reasons the district is considering reopening the school is that Ballard, Howard/Ellis and Northside are getting crowded and kindergarten will need more space when it goes to an all-day program, according to Hadrick.

The school, if reopened, could also be used for community educational programs and events, Weigel said.

Weigel made it clear that the project will not move forward without the support of the community. He said if the parents and Niles residents aren’t behind it, no action will be taken.

There were sign-up sheets available for parents and community members to get involved on committees for the Eastside project.

The final decision on whether the school will reopen and in what capacity will be made by the school board.