Harmony ISD is planning a much-needed expansion of its high school campus.

“We’re busting at the seams” in both the high school and elementary, Superintendent Jed Whitaker said.

He said that they’ve hired an architect, Ted Estep of Longview, and have considered several plans.

Whitaker said the high school is divided into a west hall and an east hall.

The present plan is to add five classrooms onto the south end of the east hall, by extending the building into the parking lot toward Hwy. 154.

The addition will extend 76 feet out, and 87 feet wide, said Bobby Eatherton, maintenance director for the school district, who was with the architect looking at plans Monday morning.

Construction could begin as early as March, and barring unforseen problems, the addition could be ready for the 2009-2010 school year, he said.

Because of overcrowding, four classrooms in the elementary building next door have been used for high school. That began five years ago. They’ve also used two portable buildings.

Whitaker said that the present high school was built to accommodate about 250, and enrollment is now 315.

He said the expansion is expected to cost between $790,000 and $995,000, but should not affect the tax rate. It is expected to be financed using general funds and reserve funds.

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