By JESSA PEASE / Staff Writer

PELHAM— The Pelham Park Middle School project could begin by January 2016 after the Pelham Board of Education approved a contract to exchange real estate with the city of Pelham Nov. 9.

This agreement works hand-in-hand with the funding agreement between the board and the city for $12 million to be used for PCS projects.

The Pelham City Council approved the funding agreement at its Nov. 2 meeting, and the Board of Education approved the agreement Nov. 9.

“I think this is a good situation for us,” said Board of Education President Rick Rhoades. “The land exchange saves us some money. The percentage that we are being saved by working through the city is substantial.”

The funding agreement prevents the board from borrowing a large amount of money up front and having to pay interest on money they will not be using right away, according to Rhoades.

“I think we are making huge steps towards our goal, our new buildings, our new facilities,” said Board member Angie Hester. “It’s exciting.”

Superintendent Dr. Scott Coefield said Pelham City Schools plans to announce the bid for the middle school project in December, contingent on closing on the property and obtaining the title.

Once the school system obtains control of the property, Coefield said work could begin on the school site as early as January.

All the residents within the footprint of the school have moved from the area, and those residents outside the footprint have until December to do the same, according to City Council President Rick Hayes.

He said the property could be available next week, if it was necessary.

“Our kids continue to do amazing things…whether it’s artwork, (or) athletically,” said Rhoades. “We really have a great community and we have wonderful kids in our school system. They deserve the best and we are going to do our very best to provide it for them.”