LOUDON (WATE) - It was a huge day on Thursday for the Loudon County school system. Officials broke ground on a new middle school.  It's the first new school built in 27 years.

Students, teachers and local officials gathered at Loudon High School to break ground on the new middle school that will soon be built adjacent to the high school. The new middle school will operate in conjunction with the current middle school.

Director of Schools Jason Vance said there is a great need for this additional school.

"It's going to provide an opportunity for our kids in an educational environment, an environment that's conducive to learning," said Vance. "It's what they deserve. Right now, we have kids now that are in portable buildings and in locker rooms.This will provide them with an opportunity with the latest and greatest technology. We're just really excited about this time."

Vance said the new school should be up and running in August of 2013.