The Kennewick School Board agreed Wednesday evening to use money left from renovations of several elementary schools to help pay for the construction of a new Delta High School building.

The district received almost $29 million in state matching dollars above what it planned for after voters approved a $68 million bond for the renovations in 2009.

Finance manager Vic Roberts said the board's decision does not require that part of the excess money go to Delta High, a science, technology, engineering and mathematics school the district shares with the Pasco and Richland school districts. The decision only allows for the flexibility to spend the money.

Pasco and Kennewick have signed off on agreements to finance the school's construction, though Richland has held back on a decision. Construction would cost about $18 million, with school and other officials planning to pay for the bulk of it with state money and private contributions.

However, Richland board members agreed Tuesday night to close the purchase of the land and buildings the school currently uses in central Richland, lending a hand to developing a permanent home for the school.