Facility Planning

Williamson County (Tenn.) district needs $340 million for school construction over next 5 years

District projects an enrollment increase of 10,000 students in the next 5 years.
Nov. 14, 2016

The Williamson County (Tenn.) district will need nearly $340 million for new school construction, according to its proposed five-year capital plan.

The Nashville Tennessean reports that the school system needs additional classrooms to accommodate an expected rise in enrollment of about 10,000 over the next five years.

The 2016-22 capital improvement plan calls for eight new elementary schools, three new middle schools and one new high school.

Other envisioned improvements: a replacement building for Brentwood Middle School, acquisition of about 615 acres for schools, and 30 acres for central office space. 

In light of rising land costs in the county, Williamson County Director of Schools Mike Looney has proposed buying all needed land within one year. Typically, the school system has bought land when it is needed.

The capital outlay plan estimates land acquisition costs at $55.8 million; Looney estimates an additional $10.9 million if the district waits to buy land until it is needed.

About the Author

Mike Kennedy

Senior Editor

Mike Kennedy, senior editor, has written for AS&U on a wide range of educational issues since 1999.

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