By AMY JONES / Associate Editor

CALERA — The Shelby County Board of Education approved the purchase of the former Shelby Academy property and buildings during a special meeting Dec. 10.

The board of education will pay the Shelby Academy Board $1.3 million for the property and buildings. The board will pay for the purchase with funds from the Alabama Public School and College Authority, which is designated for capital projects.

Superintendent Randy Fuller said the board will use the property for future growth in Calera.

“The Shelby County Board of Education plans to renovate the existing buildings on this property and build new additions to utilize it as a middle school in the Calera school zone,” said Superintendent Randy Fuller. “The Calera zone is one of our school system’s growth areas, with the City of Calera being the fastest growing city in the state.”

Fuller said the purchase will save the school system money.

“The Board of Education is pleased with the agreement reached with the Shelby Academy Board and looks forward to a school being located there.”

The property consists of 34 acres, a school building with 16 classrooms, a science lab, a library, a gym and athletic fields.