History of Lauderdale County School District | Page 104

Meridian Star, November 4, 1960

Federal Funds for Northeast School OK’d
Federal funds for construction of the Northeast Lauderdale County School have been approved by
the department of health, education and welfare, according to county superintendent of education Dan B.
Johnson. Johnson received telegrams from Senators John Stennis and James O. Eastland Thursday,
advising that funds in the amount of $365, 935 for construction of the school had been approved.
Stennis’ telegram said: “The department of health, education and welfare advises approval of federal
funds in the amount of $365,936 for construction of a 12 grade school for Lauderdale County, to be
constructed northeast east of Meridian in the vicinity of the Capehart Housing Project, Naval Air station,
the facility to houses 900 elementary and high school children.”
Johnson said total cost of the school will be approximately $500,000. The difference in the
federal allocation and the total cost will be made up by the state, Johnson said. “Construction will begin
in the near future, and should be completed by next September,” Johnson said. The Northeast School has
had priority in the county’s long range school program, according to Johnson. “The school is absolutely
necessary in order to take care of children of military personnel at the air station,” Johnson said. “The
federal funds have been approved for that reason.”
Architect for the building is L.L. Brasfield. The school will be a one-story, campus-type
structure. The elementary school will contain 20 classrooms, and a multi-purpose room. The high school
will have nine regular classrooms, two science rooms, a homemaking suite, an arts and crafts room, a
general shop, a band room, and a library. The general facilities will contain a cafeteria, gymnasium with
stage and auxiliary rooms, an administrative area, including the office and conference room, as well as
general service areas.