Construction of Kelly Mill Elementary School will begin no later than Jan. 31.

The Forsyth County Board of Education voted Thursday to accept the state education department’s capital outlay funding of about $7.94 million toward the school.

The local school system will also spend nearly $9.29 million toward the construction cost.

While the school was originally set to open in 2010, construction was pushed back due to the slowing enrollment growth.

The school will be on Kelly Mill Road, just east of Cumming.

In order to receive state funding, the board was required to offer a construction start date to give the state enough time to sell bonds.

Board member Mike Dudgeon was at first reluctant to approve the project since it will eventually involve additional operational expenses. But he also noted construction costs are lower.

Board Chairwoman Ann Crow said student growth has slowed some, but it’s better to be ahead than behind with construction.

“We do need to go ahead and build Kelly Mill school sooner than later,” she said.