A resolution authorizing Superintendent Bill Hopkins to close a deal on the purchase of a site for the proposed new Priceville High School was approved by the Morgan County School Board at a called meeting on Monday afternoon.

The purchase price of the 55-acre school site, which is a part of a family estate managed by Baker Properties LLC, is $789,250. The land is located on North Bethel Road near North Park. A 60-ft. wide easement from River Road to the school site is a part of the purchase agreement. It will be used to provide the school with essential infrastructure and utility services.

Hopkins said notification that the land is suitable for school construction was received by letter from State Superintendent of Education Thomas R. Bice on Nov. 30.

“While the tract of land has 3.5 acres of wetlands, no mitigation will be required, according to Hopkins.

“That portion of the property is outside of the school building’s footprint,” he said. “It will give us a place to drain water from the campus.

“I will meet with the property owner and attorneys with Nowlin, Bachuss and Gray on Tues., Dec. 4, to close the deal,” Hopkins pointed out. “At our Dec. 13 meeting, the architect and construction manager will present us with a time line for design and construction.”

“The architect has already had meetings with Priceville High School administrators and faculty members and will continue to do so throughout the preliminary design phase. A community committee will also be a part of the planning process.”

The project is being financed with a $26.5 million bond issue.

“We’re looking at a construction budget of $20 to $22 million” Hopkins said. “Any money carried over will be used to fund other school upgrade projects.”

The new school is being designed to accommodate 600 students; however, commons areas such as two gyms and cafeteria will have space to take care of up to 900 students.