WILSON COUNTY Tenn. (WKRN) — As Wilson County's population has risen over the past decade, so has the need for more classrooms.

"This is my sixth year here, and it seems like we're rolling off a new school seemingly every year,” Bart Barker, Public Information Officer for Wilson County Schools, told News 2.

Wilson County rebuilt two schools — West Wilson Middle School and Stoner Creek Elementary — which were hit by a tornado in 2020. After that, the county built LaGuardo Elementary, which just had its first ever day of school on August 1. Next up will be Central Pike Elementary, which is still under construction.

"This school is going to be a welcome addition to our district when it opens next school year because it will pull from Rutland, which is one of the state's largest elementary schools," Barker said. "Also Gladeville Elementary as well, so they will come from Gators and Rockets to Coyotes."

While building new schools has posed new challenges — like rezoning families and permit issues over LaGuardo's sewage system — overall, parents say having additional schools in Wilson County is a good thing.

Sierra Barnett is a mom of three and her oldest currently attends West Elementary.

"It's been very different in a positive way to have these new schools come up and just alleviate pressure on the kids, alleviate pressure on the staff and teachers for sure day to day — and traffic!" she explained.

Barker said that while no other official plans have been set, even more schools may be in the county's future.

"Regardless of what grade-band you're talking, growth is happening all around, so all these elementary students need to go to middle school. They need to go to high school," Barker said. "We fully anticipate more growth at the elementary level in the years to come as well."

News Source : https://www.wkrn.com/news/local-news/on-tour-middle-tn/wilson-co-school-construction/