New Knoxville Local Schools is moving forward with the purchase of nearly 12 acres of land adjacent to the district.

Superintendent Mark Platfoot said the Board of Education approved the purchase during its Monday night meeting.

Platfoot said the additional property will give the district more flexibility as it considers possible future expansion.

The district is currently somewhat limited by the amount of land surrounding its existing campus, and Platfoot said the purchase will provide more options if future projects are needed to meet the needs of students.

The board also approved the purchase of snow removal equipment, including a tractor and snow pushers.

The equipment will allow the district's maintenance staff to handle more snow removal work on campus rather than relying entirely on outside services.

New Knoxville Schools also began the new school year Tuesday.

Platfoot said approximately 400 students in kindergarten through 12th grade were in the building for the first day of classes.

The superintendent said the district had a strong start to the school year with plenty of excitement from students and staff.