The Austin Public School Board approved a purchase agreement Monday night to obtain 13.2 acres in southeast Austin (Fellowship United Methodist Church) for a new grades 5-6 school.

Whether that purchase happens will rest in the hands of Austin’s residents this November, when a new referendum is up for vote.

“It’s contingent upon the passage of the referendum,” said board member Jeff Kritzer, who added the agreement becomes “null and void” if the referendum is voted down. One other nuance included easements surrounding the property owned by the city. Kritzer said the district would have to obtain those chunks of land, as well. However, he sees no reason why the city would object.

That purchase agreement is a main issue among Austin’s growing enrollment and increasing class sizes. Austin’s enrollment, 4,543 students and roughly 20 more than last year, is beginning to cramp some schools for space — especially Banfield Elementary, Superintendent David Krenz said. District officials approved another part-time teacher at Banfield, and they’ve opened its library as an extra classroom. Much of Austin’s enrollment increase stems from early grades.

Though Krenz said enrollment predictions across the board were accurate, some areas were higher than anticipated. Second grade class-sizes at Banfield average roughly 28 students, about four more than officials predicted. Furthermore, Krenz said kindergarten enrollment is up, as well.

“We’re right in that medium range,” Krenz said about the rate of enrollment increase across all grades. However, he said the district has two options and can either “invent space or increase class sizes.” He added, “neither is good for the educational process.”

With the referendum approaching, the board approved an absentee ballot board. For convenience and credibility, it will be the county’s current ballot board.

The referendum is up for vote Nov. 8.

Among other issues, district officials are trying to maintain current partnerships in the community while adding new ones. It’s part of Strategic Direction E, something John Alberts hopes will form new partnerships in the future. The board approved the new initiative last December and it is now taking effect.