Fannin County Board of Education members voted Monday to purchase a little more than 28 acres of land adjoining East Fannin Elementary School for $450,560.
School Superintendent Dr. Michael Gwatney said the purchase included two tracts, one containing 3.26 acres and the other with 24.90 acres, making the total 28.16 acres. The purchase price represented $16,000 per acre.
The smaller tract borders both Fain Street and Old Highway 76 and the larger is located in the area behind the school.
Gwatney explained both tracts were purchased with possible future needs at the school in mind.
The tract bordering Fain Street “gives us the opportunity to create a different (traffic) flow,” Gwatney said.
He explained that if the current trend of parent pickup and drop off continues, then there will be an obvious need to create a safer spot for students arriving at and leaving school.
At the busiest times of day, traffic can sometimes back up onto Old Highway 76 as parents attempt to get onto the school campus.
The property purchase allows for several options, including offering a different way off Old Highway 76 and changing the traffic pattern around the building, Gwatney said.
The larger tract was purchased “if we need to expand the East Fannin campus.”
Gwatney said that, looking at various projections and talking with economic development leaders, there is a strong likelihood for growth along the Highway 515 corridor toward Blairsville from Blue Ridge. That area, from the Toccoa River bridge east, is served by East Fannin school. The property purchase allows the school system to meet any potential needs that might arise.
The superintendent said the school board was thankful to be able to obtain the property and also for the price paid.
“We don’t know where the growth is going to take us, and we have to be prepared,” Gwatney said, looking at not only East Fannin but the entire school system.
The purchase will be paid for with Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax dollars that, Gwatney noted, help relieve the financial burden for local taxpayers.
The school board’s vote came in a special called meeting May 23 at noon with all members present except Mike Cole.