The Board of Education voted in favor of allowing the DeKalb West School Bulldog Baseball Boosters Club to construct a new baseball facility at the school at the April meeting of the board Thursday.

Plans are for a 40 x 100-foot structure, including a concession stand, storage space, an office, restrooms, a locker room and batting cages.

The matter was brought before the board by DWS Principal Sabrina Farler.

“The baseball boosters approached me about wanting to build a hitting building to the side of the baseball field. Funding would be through them,” Farler said. “They started this process several years ago by saving money through their fundraisers. They're getting to the point now where they can start. But we haven't done anything until we get board approval to break ground, if that is something you allow us to do,” Farler shared.

Booster Club President Tony Cross said the club would like to have the project completed by next year.

"I think we can do this for less than $40,000,” Cross said. “What we would like to do this summer after school is out is to do the shell of the building and a concrete slab with all the plumbing. I think we can do that for just under $20,000. We have a 5K fundraiser that is doing really well and it runs Saturday morning. Initially we would like to put up the slab and the exterior of the building. Eighty percent of the building is batting cages and lanes. That could be used next baseball season. Just to be able to get in and out of the rain. I've talked with Earl (Jared, the school system’s maintenance supervisor). I want to work hand in hand with him on what he wants as far as the bathrooms and things like that because if they are helping us service it we're going to do it like he needs it done. We initially want to get some things done this summer and we'll continue on with fundraisers to raise the remainder of the money. We'd like to have it done next year.”