ROCKY MOUNT -- A clear vision of how to solve overcrowding in Franklin County's schools didn't emerge Monday during a joint meeting of the supervisors and the school board, but a wish list was offered.

Staff from the school district's elementary, middle and high schools presented information on issues they're facing and possible solutions.

Benjamin Franklin Middle School Principal Terri Robertson tried to make her case through pictures.

A slideshow of crowded halls, assemblies and classes was aimed at giving supervisors and school board members a look at just how crowded the school is.

"What we desperately need is some help," Robertson said.

The middle school houses about 1,300 sixth-, seventh- and eighth-graders.

To create more space, Robertson suggested an expansion of the gym in the West Hall, widening hallways and constructing new classrooms.

Franklin County High School Principal Debora Decker's presentation was more of the same.

Crowded hallways, cafeterias and gyms afflict the high school as well, Decker said, creating academic and safety issues.

The option of building and running a second high school in the county is now off the table.

"There is a general agreement that the community wants and expects one high school," Superintendent Charles Lackey said.

Now the choice is between building a new high school and refurbishing the old buildings for other uses, or adding classroom space to the building on Tanyard Road.

Decker said that after putting on their "rose-colored glasses" and "planting the money tree," the administration compiled a list of renovations including a new multimedia center, swimming pool, theater, parking garage and auxiliary gym.

In other counties, Decker said, even ones with multiple high schools, students have access to the features being envisioned for Franklin County.

While options continue to fall off the table, action on any proposal will not happen any time soon, County Administrator Rick Huff said.

It could take up to five years, Lackey said, or longer if the economy doesn't improve.