GREENBACK, Tenn. (WVLT) -- An East Tennessee school that dates back to the 1930's, is stepping into the 21st century. After numerous problems with the building, they're finally getting a new school.

While they're excited for the future, there are some things they don't want to change.

Nearly every student and staff member at Greenback School can give you a history lesson.

Senior, Katie King said, "My grandparents also graduated from this school. My mom and grandmother had the same senior locker."

Katie is one of many people who called for a new school.

"I've gone through numerous gas leaks, numerous evacuations," she said of the old school.

The school was originally built in the 1930's, with an addition in the 40's and again in 2003.

Math teacher Jerry Masingo can tell you all about it, they call him 'the historian.' "I've been here all my life. I went to school here, and I've been teaching here for 43 years," he said.

The newest part of the school is the gym, but it was only redone because of water damage.

The most important aspect for the new school to Greenback, the 650 students, Pre-K through 12, will stay in one school.

Lori Guillemet, Assistant Principal, said, "Our older kids work well with younger kids. We get to use them in reading programs. We just get to see them grow up and take care of each other."

The gym and football field will remain a part of the new. From the stands, students can actually cheer on the future school, just a couple hundred yards away.

Loudon Co. Director of Schools, Jason Vance said, "This is the first time in the last 27 years that we've ever built a school in Loudon County."

It wasn't cheap. To make it happen the community dug deep, taxes went up 20 cents. That money will cover the $22.5 million Greenback school, as well as other building projects.

Katie said, "Knowing that the quality of our building is going to match the quality of our academics, and family oriented style here, it's just a wonderful feeling, and I couldn't match that with anything else."

Now future generations, including Katie's younger sister, have something to look forward to.

The 148,000 square foot building, is estimated to open in August, 2013.

Everyone is welcome to the groundbreaking ceremony, Saturday the 19th, at 11 a.m.