NATCHEZ — The Natchez-Adams School District superintendent said costs for a new high school were cut from $42 million to $22 million mainly by decreasing the size of the proposed facility.

During a special called meeting last week, the district’s architecture firm, M3A of Jackson, presented plans for a two-story high school to go on the bean field next to the current high school at a cost of $22 million. Volkert Inc., the district’s construction management consultant, had projected the cost for a new high school at $42 million. Volkert projected a 190,000 square foot building at a cost of $175 per square foot, or roughly $33 million.

M3A opted for a smaller building at 142,000 to 147,000 square feet at a cost of $154 per square foot, or approximately $22.6 at the high end.

NASD Superintendent Fred Butcher said M3A’s estimate includes professional fee, as well as engineering services and the construction of a parking lot.

A decision to not renovate the Steckler building on the NHS campus account for $4 million of the decrease in costs, Butcher said.

Overall, Butcher said M3A did an outstanding job creating a building that merges the history of Natchez with a design that is appropriate for the 21st century.

“The Greek revival structure is consistent with the historical character of Natchez while also reflecting the design of various institutions of higher learning around the Southern region,” Butcher said. “Students will be exposed to a high school that is reflective of the designs of buildings on the campuses of the University of Mississippi, Alcorn State University, Mississippi State, Jackson State and the University of Alabama.

“We want our students to become accustomed to the layout of this facility so that when they move on to (college), they will not be overwhelmed.”

The district needs to update its facilities. Natchez High School, built in 1961, is the youngest of the district’s buildings, Butcher said..

“There is research that correlates the positive effect of school design on student achievement, and we want to present a building that demonstrates to our students that we are invested in improving school facilities, technology access while working to improve student achievement,” Butcher said. “We believe that improved school facilities will help with our teacher recruitment efforts, along with some other initiatives that we are considering.

“This new facility will provide innovative spaces for students to participate in the performing and visual arts, new facilities for our athletic programs and band programs.”

Butcher said the project is in the early stages and plenty of time remains for public input.

“We want to make certain that we consider what is going to be best for the students and employees we serve and the needs of our community,” Butcher said. “District leaders are going to invite our parents and students, members of the general public, members of our local governing boards and economic boards and other local organizations to be a part of the development of this project.

“We have the opportunity to have a great facility in our community.”