BOE buys WJ land for new high school

A 98-acre site for a potential new West Jackson high school was approved to be purchased by the Jackson County Board of Education at its meeting Monday night. The BOE unanimously agreed to authorize the purchase of the property for $666,400 from the Timms Family Partnership. The property is located along Hwy. 332 just north of its intersection with Hwy. 124.

Although system leaders said there are no immediate plans to begin construction on a new high school, the land is being purchased now at a low price for future growth in the system, said superintendent John Green. SPLOST funds are being used to purchase the property.

In other board financial action, the BOE approved spending SPLOST funds to:

• upgrade JCCHS and the central office wireless systems for a total of $352,370

• purchase and install new bleaches for WJMS and EJMS gyms at a cost of $50,000 per school

• purchase and install HVAC system in the WJPS gym for $55,000.