The Horry County Board of Education approved purchasing land for another middle school in Socastee, donated almost half an acre to a historical foundation and approved financial support for school teams participating in school-sanctioned national competitions at their regular board meeting Monday.

The board unanimously approved the purchase of 30 acres of land off U.S. 707 and Big Block Road for another middle school in the Socastee area. The land – which will be purchased from Big Block Properties, LLC – cannot exceed an expense of $1,050,000, according to Daryl Brown, chief support services officer.

The land, situated near Socastee High School, is the ideal location for a second intermediate school in the south Strand, said Joe DeFeo, board chairman.