Lakeshore Public Schools is acquiring nearly 20 acres of land, in a more than quarter of a million-dollar purchase to help the district, to help the district grow.

Superintendent Greg Eding says he is thrilled about the acquisition.

For years, it looked like the plot of land would never become available.

But after it changed hands, the school district was able to buy it.

Superintendent Greg Eding told me this creates new opportunities.

“Adding the additional 18.9 acres to our already 20 acres of land that we own with the middle school only gives us a whole other opportunity in the future if we ever did want to expand the middle school but also gives us road access to Washington Avenue and possibly other access to John Beers as well,” says Eding.

Eding says pick up and drop off at Lakeshore Middle is a continuing point of frustration.

He points to a lack of space, and more congestion as reasons for this headache.

“In the 70’s, 75-80% of your students were traveling on the busses to school and going home on the busses. Now, we have probably 40% of our students drive the busses to school, 50%, so that changed, all the other students are coming by a parent now, drop off and pick up, so that changes how many cars come through your area,” said Eding.

Across the street is Lakeshore Christian Church. An associate pastor supports the potential plans.

“I just think for all the families, from mom to dad to the kids, to the teachers, to the administration, more room is better, and, for me, when I see expansion going on, I think growth, and when I think growth, that's only better for the area,” said Eric Christian, Pastor at Lakeshore Christian.

The purchase of the land won't cost taxpayers any more -- it's all coming from the district's general fund.

Eding says none of this would have been possible if local school supporter Bob Cone had not purchased the land from its original owners.

“Bob bought it in 2017 and he recently decided to put it up for sale, and contacted us when he did so, and in our discussions, we decided to move forward in purchasing it,” said Eding.

The superintendent told WSBT when the land became available for purchase, he knew it was an opportunity the district could not pass up.