The decision came in response to flagging donations made toward the center, which is believed to have been affected by wavering construction estimates and a shifting timeline.

With the district's approval, the project can now be shopped out to contractors, who will then give an estimate for construction costs.

In a report that prompted the vote, outlined by Richard Meyer, the director of building projects for the district, it was stated that "the selection of a construction firm and the commencement of work should be a catalyst for fundraising efforts."

"I think people need something hard to signal that we are within the sight of the end," said Paula Cappello, a board member of the Saratoga High School Foundation, which is the main fundraising team for the center.

The board initially harbored concerns that by agreeing to move forward with the center and seeking bids they would be locked into a construction agreement. There was also concern about the amount of money held by the school for the project. Typically the district only endorses construction when 90 percent of the funds have been raised. Only 70 percent of the needed funds for the PAL Center have been collected so far—of the $7.5 million estimated cost, the foundation has currently raised $2.2 million and secured $3.1 million from the 1998 Measure B bond.

Those involved with fundraising efforts believe the only way of knowing exact building costs is to go through the bidding process and communicate with contractors, which they said would not tie them to any bid.

"Hopefully this will give a sense of urgency," said Bill Barmeier, president of the Saratoga High School Foundation. "This was a very important milestone for us."

The foundation has already assumed financial responsibility for the bidding process, which is estimated to cost $10,000.

The Division of the State Architect in July of this year approved the center, which was designed by Spencer Associates. The center will house 580 seats, a 3,000-square-foot stage and enhanced acoustics.

According to an information packet distributed by project director Meyer, the center would be constructed in a three-phase process. The first phase, estimated at $1 million, would include grading and site preparation. The second phase would be the construction of the facility, estimated at $5.5 million. The final phase, estimated at $1 million, would include the installation of fixtures, furniture and equipment.

Saratoga High School Principal Kevin Skelly said that with this "yes" vote, a committee—including foundation members, the design team and architects—will be formed over the next several weeks. Once formed, the committee will seek out local contractors.

"I think that this decision will really get the ball rolling for the next 18 months to two years."