MURFREESBORO - In a special-called meeting on Tuesday (12-17-24), the Rutherford County School Board made pivotal decisions regarding future high school zones, addressing concerns over overcrowding and population growth in the rapidly expanding county.

The board approved a proposal allowing rising juniors and seniors to remain at their current schools under a grandfather clause, provided families confirm their choice and commit to providing their own transportation by January 31, 2025. Rising freshmen with siblings already in high school will also be eligible for this option.

Additionally, the board introduced a “dual zone option” in specific areas, enabling students to choose between attending Siegel or Blackman High School. Transportation will be provided to Siegel, while parents opting for Blackman will need to arrange transportation independently.

The meeting saw passionate comments from parents, students, and community members. Many voiced concerns about the impact of rezoning on students' extracurricular activities, academic progress, and social stability.

Director of Schools Dr. Jimmy Sullivan acknowledges the challenges posed by rezoning but emphasizes the necessity of the changes to accommodate the county’s growth:

School Board Member Caleb Tidwell says they're running out of options with growth surging ahead of space for students:

School Board Member Stan Vaught says he fears we will be right back in the same situation in a matter of a couple of years, needing to rezone the high schools. He says he sees why parents of high school students are frustrated:

Sullivan mentioned before the vote that to not rezone would likely lead to the County Commission to turn down the upcoming ask to build a new high school, which would inevitably raise taxes. The school system is already planning to ask for a new middle school to be funded this upcoming year as part of their building plan. The plan passed on a 5-2 vote.

In addition to high school rezoning, the board finalized previously approved changes to elementary school zones to accommodate the opening of Poplar Hill Elementary School. There were no changes to the middle school zones in anticipation of a new school, but they would likely have to be rezoned next year if a new middle school isn't funded.

The adjustments will take effect in the 2025-2026 school year.

FROM RUTHERFORD COUNTY SCHOOLS

• Current High School Zones
• 2025-26 High School Zones
• 2025-26 High School Zones with Adjustments

Watch the full special-called meeting here