In need of new schools to help overcrowding at Marvin Wright Elementary, the Maury County School Board last week approved the purchase of a large tract of land in Spring Hill to hold a new elementary school and eventually, a middle and high school as well.
“Everything is complete. Now it is just working out a closing date that is agreeable to the seller and us,” Stan Breeden, assistant superintendent of operations, said.
The unanimous approval of the $2.75 million purchase of 242.73 acres at 3451 Mahlon Moore Road, in southeast Spring Hill, will lead to an on-site elementary school within the next two years, and after that a new high and middle school.
“The goal that we set forth was to find a piece of property that could house an entire campus of a high school, middle school and elementary school,” Breeden said.
But the immediate need, with nearby-to-the-north Marvin Wright currently 27 students above its 600-student recommended capacity, is an elementary school. Plans are in motion, already, toward that.
Earl Swensson Associates was tasked for $50,000 by the board to begin working on a design for an elementary on the land.
Breeden said he hopes the new school could be completed within two years.
“The most positive aspect of the land purchase I would have to say is to finally have a chance to potentially get ahead of the growth we are seeing in the northern part of the county,” David Moore, Zoning and Facilities Chairman and board member District 5, said.