Nixa Public Schools recently bought 25 acres near the high school for an "operations center" that will include a new district-owned hub for school buses.
The district closed on the property off Nicholas Road, a half-mile north of the high school, in mid-June. The cost was $4.6 million.
"Growth is always something we're experiencing so we try to be proactive and keep our eye on real estate that offers a good opportunity," said Kevin Kopp, assistant superintendent for district operations.
"The location was amazing."
The bulk of the property, 20 acres, was purchased from Snyder Equipment, a company that manufactured parts for the railway that recently consolidated its operations.
The former Snyder property, plus an adjacent five-acre tract, include five buildings with a combined 75,000 square feet of space. Kopp said it equates to less than $60 a square foot, which is cheaper than new construction.
He said some renovations will be needed before moving technology, maintenance, facilities, food service offices and employees, likely in the 12-18 months.
The departments are currently located in the Faught Administration Center or other district facilities.
"We felt like this would be a prime place to move," Kopp said of the property south of Mt. Vernon Street/Missouri Route 14.
As they move, Kopp said it will create a domino effect that will allow the district to fill the vacated space. He said the space will be used to expand programs, early childhood classrooms and the virtual health clinics that employees and students can access for free on campus.
"We believe we can move all of those groups over to this land in the next two years," he said.
Currently, the transportation department and school buses are in a leased facility. Kopp said that lease will end and the operations will move to the new property.
"By moving all of our buses to this location, we then will be saving on that lease as well," he said.
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