MOBILE, Ala. (WPMI) Mobile County Public Schools Systems have approved $25 million to build a brand new Citronelle High School.
The current Citronelle High School is one of the oldest facilities in Mobile County. The school board divided $100 million from a construction bond among several schools in Mobile County.
"The community has wanted a new school for a lot of years, and now that we're finally going to get it, we're really excited about it," said Assistant Principal David Blalack.
The school is made up of three buildings. The oldest was built in 1913.
"So, it's coming on 100 years old," said Social Studies teacher Randy Reed.
Randy Reed attended and graduated from Citronelle High School in 2003. Currently, he teaches Social Studies. He stated history is rich, but it is time to give students a more modern facility.
Reed said, "The mold and mildew, the termite problems as well. It's not handicap accessible for students who may get injured. We also have problems with the fire escapes because they are so high up."
Currently, students are taking classes in portables because the old classrooms are over crowded.
Lindsey Cantrell lives just a few feet away from Citronelle High School. She stated her entire family went to school there, and they are excited for the community.
For students and residents of the tiny city of Citronelle, a new school symbolizes a fresh start and new beginnings.
School officials stated construction can start in eight months to a year.