Construction of a new, competition gymnasium at East Limestone High School is on hold until Limestone County Schools can raise more money to build it, an official said.

“Bids for the replacement came in about $1 million higher than expected,” said Principal Dennis Black. “So, we are kind of in a holding pattern.”

School board members agreed in October to set aside $3.5 million to build the new gym this summer. It will replace the old middle school gym that was condemned by the state fire marshal last year. The school also has another newer gym.

Black, the head of the county’s largest school — about 1200 students — must now figure out how to schedule gym class for sixth, seventh, eighth and ninth-graders, who are required to take gym, as well as many 10th, 11th and 12th-graders who choose to take gym.

“We will survive without the new gym, but it would be easier if we had it,” Black said.

The schools plan to build a competition-size gymnasium where the “old red barn” once stood. Plans include a basement that will hold weight-lifting equipment and two partitioned classrooms. A competition gym is one large enough to host tournaments with visiting teams, dressing rooms, bleachers, storage and concessions.

Board members discussed building a more modest gym last year but opted for the larger gym because the population at East High, along with its feeder school Creekside Elementary, is increasing annually. Board members also determined that a larger gym would be more prudent for commencement and other activities.

Black said Superintendent Dr. Barry Carroll, a supporter of building the competition gym, is trying to come up with more money so construction can begin. It is not a good time to find money. Lower-than-expected tax revenue last year forced the state to cut the amount of money it had promised schools in Limestone County and throughout the state. The same problem, known as proration, could occur again in 2010.

Carroll could not be reached for comment on his efforts Wednesday.