Bishop Seabury Academy made official Wednesday the decision to convert Alvamar Racquet and Swim Club in western Lawrence into a new campus for the Episcopal school.

“This is the best thing that could happen for this school,” Headmaster Chris Carter said in a meeting of students, teachers and parents.

In December, Bishop Seabury’s trustees launched a fund-raising campaign that has generated $2.85 million. That was enough for trustees to commit Tuesday to enter a formal agreement with businessman Bob Billings for acquisition of the club’s buildings and an 8.1-acre parcel of land.

A deal for the property, at 4120 Clinton Parkway, is expected to close in early summer. Conversion of indoor tennis courts into classrooms might be far enough along to allow classes to begin there in January 2003, Carter said.

Bishop Seabury has operated four years at the former Kaw Valley School, 1411 E. 1850 Road. The elementary school east of Lawrence has proven inadequate for a school enrolling 100 students in junior high and high school grades.

Stephen Hill, president of the board of trustees, said the location would allow the school to grow.

“It’s a very visible, accessible, safe location,” he said.

Reed Dillon, a trustee who has a son at the school, said more money must be raised to complete the project.

“Twist any arms that you can,” he urged parents.

Carter said that a total of $4 million would be sought for purchase of the tennis and swim club, renovation of the buildings and the acquisition of furnishings and equipment.

The original goal of the fund drive was $3 million, but preliminary cost estimates for the renovation came in higher than anticipated.

Dillon said it was possible that portions of the project would be delayed until enactment of a second phase.