GREENE – Elementary students will attend classes this fall in a building associated more with “low, low prices” than textbooks and school bells: the former Wal-Mart in Auburn.

The SAD 52 School Board voted this week to set up a temporary school in the 115,000-square-foot building while workers renovate Greene Central School.

Students will be bused to the old Wal-Mart building, about 8 miles from the elementary school, beginning Aug. 31. Officials hope to move the school’s 385 students and 65 staffers back into Greene Central in November.

School officials have known for months that construction would continue into the school year. They first considered postponing the start of school or shuttling students to other smaller sites, including the Greene Grange Hall or the former St. Dominic’s Regional High School in Lewiston. Most recently, they thought about splitting up the school, housing some grades in local churches, some at Leeds Central School and some in portable classrooms.

But splitting resources and busing students to different places would have been a logistical nightmare, said Business Manager Chris Trenholm. In a meeting Tuesday, officials agreed the Wal-Mart building was their best option.

“The nice thing about this building is everyone is under one roof,” he said.

The school will use about 40,000 square feet of the building, with cubicle-like partitions breaking the open space into classrooms and offices. The building will have a cafeteria, but meals will be brought in from Turner Elementary School. The expansive parking lot and side road may have posted “school zone” signs.

Students are expected to have access to computers and library books, as well as art and gym classes.

“None of the services will be lost,” Trenholm said.

School officials have notified Auburn officials of their intent to use the building for a school. They have also met with fire prevention, planning and code enforcement officials to ensure the building will meet safety codes.

The temporary school will cost Greene $30,000 to $35,000, including the lease, busing and moving expenses.

The school system will hold an open meeting Tuesday, July 27, to answer questions about the situation. The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. and will be held at Leavitt Area High School in Turner.

The former Wal-Mart closed in fall of 2001 when a new Wal-Mart Superstore opened across the street. The building is owned by Schott Enterprises, which has used it sporadically for storage. It currently houses used military vehicles.