VIDALIA, La. &045; Science at Vidalia High School is in for quite a metamorphosis.

The need for more classroom space evolved into a major building addition to house a state of the art science lab, a new library and two new classrooms.

The addition received approval from the Concordia Parish School Board Tuesday night.

&uot;I’m so excited,&uot; Principal Rick Brown said at Tuesday’s board meeting. &uot;This is the first time I’ve seen it.&uot;

Architects from Alexandria firm Barron, Heinberg and Brocato brought images of the new building inside and out to the board meeting.

The new building will be built to the right of the existing school and will be visible from U.S. 84. Temporary buildings are currently in that location.

The building appears two-story from the outside, but an upper level loft space will be used for mechanical equipment.

The building has many glass windows, designed to utilize natural lighting and be energy efficient.

The new 6,300 square foot building will connect to the old one with a covered walkway.

Inside, the two science classrooms will be on either side of the lab, so both have easy access for lab work.

In the existing building, the current library will be converted into three more classrooms.

Architect Kathleen Weems said the new building became the best option.

&uot;It was more for your money if we did classrooms in the new building,&uot; Weems said. &uot;To add classrooms to the existing building would be very difficult (because of building codes.)

&uot;This will add prominence and some elegance to the existing school.&uot;

The board approved advertising for bids on the project Tuesday, and Business Manager Tom O’Neal said he hoped construction could begin by the fall.

O’Neal estimated the cost of the project at $1.3 million, money that is available due to the 13 mill property tax parish citizens renewed in November.

&uot;It’s a dream come true for us,&uot; O’Neal said. &uot;We would not have done this without the vote of the people.&uot;

Brown said the space was a desperate need for the school and the state of the art facility would greatly benefit the students.

&uot;We don’t have a classroom right now that’s not being used,&uot; Brown said. &uot;We are going to need more room in the future. The current labs limit us in hands-on science.&uot;

O’Neal said he wants to accept bids by June or July and estimated construction time at eight months.

&uot;I really do think this is going to be a premier building,&uot; O’Neal said.