The Rutherford County School Board has entered preliminary discussions about creating a new alternative school.¶
The district currently operates the Daniel-McKee Alternative School in Murfreesboro and Smyrna West Alternative School in Smyrna for students who need a specialized academic setting, behavioral intervention, or a personalized learning environment outside of a traditional classroom.¶
During its meeting on Monday evening, board members spent about 15 minutes reviewing a proposal to establish a third alternative school. The discussions follow the board's consideration of teachers' concerns about behavioral issues among elementary schoolers, specifically kindergarteners, and an increase in the number of Department of Children’s Services (DCS) students placed within the district.¶
The School’s Necessities
Rutherford County Schools Superintendent Dr. James Sullivan suggested that a third alternative school would need a capacity of 300 students and additional staff and resources. Trey Lee, the district’s engineering and construction chief operations officer, said construction would cost an estimated $26-$28 million for a 75,000-square-foot school. He explained that with 300 students, the new school would not be able to use a satellite service for its lunches, in which kitchens prepare food off-site and deliver it to schools at mealtime, and would have to construct a kitchen.¶
Board member Caleb Tidwell said he was in favor of building a larger school than had previously been discussed by the board; originally, a 120- to 125-student school, then one that could hold up to 200 students.¶
“I think the extra capacity is a good thing, just because we don't want to be turned around doing this right again,” Tidwell said. “We don't want to be building just to get full right as we start. So, I'm okay with that.”¶
Physical education was also a topic of discussion. Board member Tammy Sharp suggested that the district could probably get a grant to construct a walking trail. Fellow board member Claire Maxwell also expressed support for building a full gym at the new school, citing a lack of physical education provisions for students at the district’s two current alternative schools.¶
“They go outside in their uniform, the blue shirt and the khakis, and they run around the school,” Maxwell said. “That's their gym time, and I really feel like if we want them to be there longer, they need to do a true physical education plan.”¶
There is currently no timetable for further discussions.¶
