Residents weigh-in on MHS repair costs

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - Originally, officials said the repairs to Murphy High School would cost an estimated $10 million. Now, many said they think it's going to be much more than that. Also word from the school system is there may be no state funding.

Terri Graham walks by Murphy High School almost every day.

"There's so many memories, especially being out under the oak trees," Graham said.

Graham graduated from Murphy and now is doing whatever she can to help the school.

"I think that if a lot of our classmates get together. Maybe there’ll be something that can be done. We can save the school," said Graham.

Graham said she's heartbroken to hear that the state of Alabama may not be assisting with rebuilding the school. The Mobile County School System went ahead and set aside$ 8 million for the school as it waits for insurance money, which should pay back that amount.

School system officials have met with architects, but no word on the outcome of that meeting.

Mike Laird also is a Murphy alum.

"I think it would be sad. It is a historic building. It's unique, not another high school in the state that has anything like the appearance of this school," Laird said.

Laird has lived a block from Murphy for 42 years and wants nothing more than the old Murphy back.

"We'd like to see it restored just as it was," Laird said.

Alabama Governor Robert Bentley toured the school after an EF-2 tornado ripped through it Christmas Day. The battle will be restoring the school's classic look while at the same time, having it under current construction code.