If for only a short time.

Henderson was willing to sell his home of 22 years - plus the nine acres surrounding it - to accommodate the new Salem Hills High School, where ground was broken Wednesday.

"I felt it was in the best interest for both of us [the mayor and the school district], and in the best interest of the city," Henderson said. "This will be a great economic boost for the city of Salem."

Construction already is under way for the 253,800 square-foot high school, but Henderson and his family still have some time to find a new home.

Nebo School District Superintendent Chris Sorensen said Henderson will be given at least another year to clear out.

"He doesn't have to move until he finds another place," Sorensen said.

Henderson said he plans to stay in town.

Nebo school officials approached Henderson about purchasing his land after it was learned several acres of wetlands at the school site should remain untouched.

The newly elected Salem mayor, along with three other property owners, agreed to sell land for the school, bringing the total acreage for the school site to a comfortable 59 acres.

Henderson declined to name the price, but said Nebo officials did make the negotiations easy for him.

"And I'm not the easiest man to get along with," he said.

Salem Hills High School is slated for a fall 2008 completion. When finished, a parking lot and a football practice field will occupy the immediate area where Henderson's house now stands.

Salem Hills is one of two high schools to be built within the next three years in Nebo. Maple Mountain High School in Mapleton will open its doors in fall 2009.

"We've been working on this a long time and feel very good about what has happened," said Nebo School Board President Kaye Westwood. thollingshead@sltrib.com