With West Middle School closing, commissioners mull building’s future

MADISON COUNTY, Tenn. — A Jackson-Madison County school set to close at the end of the current school year may be converted for use by local law enforcement.

“We don’t want the building sitting here idle any longer than it has to,” Madison County Commission Chairman Gary Deaton said.

For the second time in a week, first responders and elected officials have toured West Middle School.

“It was always with the intent the school system would keep those up, but in the process we would look at ways to repurpose them,” Jackson-Madison County schools Superintendent Verna Ruffin said.”This is certainly continuing the dialogue and utilizing it for the needs in our city and our county.”

Dr. Ruffin said it’s very early in the process of deciding on a next step for the buildings closing at the end of the school year.

From the Madison County Fire Department to the sheriff’s office, it’s possible West Middle could become a training facility for emergency personnel.

“I can see it moving all through West Tennessee, Northern Mississippi, Southern Kentucky,” Commissioner Deaton said. “It’s got a wide range of possibilities for training, especially in law enforcement, and other departments could utilize it the same way.”

Commissioner Deaton said the building is in great shape and wouldn’t be difficult to retrofit.

No official decision has been made on what the future of the school will be.

Tom Mapes, public information officer for the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, said the possibilities are endless. He also said the training facility could bring future businesses to the western portion of Madison County. “We are close to the airport, hotels, restaurants,” he said. “It’s unlimited as to what could be developed here.”

The repurpose would have to get approval from both the school board and county commission.