An official groundbreaking on the new Colquitt County High School could be coming within the next three weeks. According to school Superintendent Samuel DePaul, the board is just waiting on the official cost of the new school- a number expected to be around $40 million when all is said and done.

Parts of the current school, meanwhile, will undergo demolition- primarily the older sections that are found to be sinking and causing structural issues. As per the current plans, the canning plant, gymnasium, auditorium and newer additions will remain.

Just two weeks ago, a group of parents challenged the site for the new school, saying it was ‘unsuitable’ for a number of reasons. Former school board member Clarence Lowe along with Moultrie attorney Michael Strickland, contend the site is unsuitable based on soil type, the proximity to a railroad that transports hazardous chemicals, and the general design of the school, which is a four-story structure. This group argues that the design of the building does not lend to student safety and it has concerns about traffic flow issues.

At this point, the group points out, the school does not have city utilities nor would it have city police protection.

Read more from the Moultrie Observer here.