To address the growing student population on the west side of town, the Fayetteville School Board recently approved the construction of a new middle school.

• Last year, the school board voted to approve the purchase of 23 acres on Rupple Road for $1.8 million to secure a spot for what at the time was either going to be an elementary or middle school.

• After rezoning the property in January, the school board unanimously approved the development of a middle school yesterday. This school will create some elbow room for the student population at Owl Creek School.

• The middle school is set to open August of 2023