Ooltewah Elementary School land

The Hamilton County Board of Education is beginning the architecture selection process for a new Ooltewah elementary school.

County commission agreed last month to purchase more than 30 acres for $875,000 along Ooltewah-Georgetown Road. The terms of that contract require completion of the school within 36 months.

Superintendent Rick Smith appeared before the commission today to announce his intention to begin the design phase. Though county commission does not have to act to begin the search process, the body will have to approve the recommended architect's contract.

Read more in Friday's Times Free Press.