Rutherford County Schools considers potential plans for two new high schools to prevent overcrowding

Dec 5

*A graph from the school consulting firm RSP & Associates shows enrollment growth projections in Rutherford County Schools.*

Leaders with Rutherford County Schools (RCS) are growing more concerned about overcrowding in high schools as more and more families move into the district.

During their work session meeting on Tuesday, school board members explored the possibility of rezoning high schools to achieve a more even distribution of enrollment among the high school population. The discussion comes after the board made plans to add space to existing facilities at several high schools to accommodate growing enrollment. However, some board members say more schools may be needed to avoid overcrowding in the years ahead.

*RCS Board of Education Chair Tammy Sharp discusses enrollment growth at Tuesday’s school board work session meeting. (Screenshot)*

Board chair Tammy Sharp said the district could need two more RCS high schools in the north to serve an influx of businesses and families moving in from other counties. Sharp said the district will specifically need another high school near Murfreesboro Road, as well as another high school in the Stewarts Creek area near Williamson County as developers move into the county.

“The people from Williamson County are now moving out toward the edge, so as they move out toward the edge it’s going to bring a lot more industry … That area is growing, so we’re going to have two school zones right there together, and it’s going to bring a whole lot of people to that general area,” she said. “I don’t know what we are going to do, because we need two more high schools on the north end.”

According to analysts hired by the district, Rutherford County may develop over 40,000 new homes in the years ahead to accommodate population growth. Researchers also expect to see over 3,000 additional students in the district by the end of the decade, with about half of them being high school students.

Consultants have also acknowledged the need for additional schools to accommodate the growing number of high schoolers.

The board is expected to revisit the topic of overcrowding and the need for additional facilities at another upcoming meeting. For more information on Tuesday’s discussions, visit www.rcschools.net.