School officials are preparing to bring a proposal to renovate Dartmouth Memorial Stadium to other committees, the public, and, ultimately Town Meeting voters for needed project funding.

At the August 27 School Committee, member Christopher Oliver and School Business Administrator James Kiely presented an update to the committee on where the Turf Field Committee -- which is overseeing the planning process -- is in terms of project planning.

The project, which has been in the works in its current incarnation for about a year, would bring a new turf field to the current grassy field at the stadium, along with lighting improvements -- both much-needed, according to officials.

Other improvements include renovated visitor and home bleachers, handicap accessibility additions, new bathrooms, a new concession and ticketing stand, shade shelters, and spots to place Port-a-Potties for larger events, among others.

Kiely said it is being proposed in phases. Phase 1 would only target the installation of a turf field and lighting improvements and related work. The total cost for Phase 1 is $1.9 million -- $1.4 in construction costs, with an additional 30 percent added for overhead, design and testing, and contingency costs.

“Phase 1 had an immediate impact on the students who use the field,” Kiely said. “Phase 2 is not to be ignored though, because we know those stands are not what they should be, the bathrooms are not what they should be. Over time it’s going to be necessary to address those.”

The cost to complete the entire project, as proposed, is $3.8 million, but with the same 30 percent contingencies and overheads, the price tag could be as high as $5 million.

Oliver said the very next step is building public awareness for the project. He said members of the Turf Field Committee will be taking the project back to their respective boards -- including the Select Board and Finance Committee -- in the coming weeks to inform other town officials about the project, and host a public forum.

“I think the most important thing is explaining to the public why we’re going this route,” Oliver said.

The School Committee voted unanimously to signal their support for the project by allowing the administration to continue to work towards beginning renovations.

Town Meeting voters previously approved $50,000 to fund a project study into the proposal, and, most recently, $400,000 to fund an initial phase of the project.

The $400,000 has not been spent and would go towards Phase 1. School officials hope to ask Town Meeting voters to approve the remaining funds required for Phase 1 of the project in October.