JMC School Board brainstorms about new K-8 School

JACKSON , Tenn — Fresh off a school board retreat, talk of big changes to the Jackson-Madison County School System emerge, mainly building a new K-8 school

For two days board members met in a more relaxed atmosphere about issues facing the district and their hopes for the future.

Though no official action could be taken, they began brainstorming about a possible $24 million project.

“When the board voted to implement Vision 2020 each area cluster was suppose to have a K-8,” School Board Chairman Bob Alvey said.

The school board started discussions of putting the school in the northwest part of the county.

“Building a new school, there is one option but we’re also going to look at existing elementary schools to see if we can do any expansion that will allow us to best meet that need,” Alvey said.

It’s an idea the board hopes to have ready to present to county commissioners next spring.

“There’s no doubt people will have mixed emotions about that.  You close five schools and you want to build a new school.” County Commission Chairman Gary Deaton said.

At Monday’s County Commission meeting, Deaton said although he supports the idea it might be a hard sell to his colleagues.

“We have all the interest in the world to support the school system and whatever they feel like will enhance education. I have seen some of the numbers and it will be aggressive at this time, for this body.” Deaton said.

But he does see use of the school if planned and placed carefully.

“If you look at it there’s good reason to do that for k-8 putting a school in the right place is important in this community.” Deaton said.