Nashville Public Schools Unveils New Rezoning Plan to Address Overcrowding and Community Concerns

Nashville’s Public Schools Approve Major Rezoning Plan

Nashville, Tenn. — Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) has officially passed a rezoning plan affecting several schools and hundreds of students, with the changes set to take effect next school year. The decision was made during a recent meeting where school board members unanimously voted in favor of the adjustments, responding to concerns raised by parents and community members.

What Prompted the Changes?

Concerns were voiced by representatives from LEAD Cameron Middle School, a public charter institution located in the Glencliff area. Nine individuals expressed worries that the rezoning would reduce their student enrollment. Currently, LEAD Cameron is the only public middle school option within the Glencliff cluster, having collaborated with MNPS since 2011 to prevent a state takeover of the school.

The Impact on Students

Among those reflecting on the changes is Josephine Crocker, a former student of LEAD Cameron now attending LEAD Academy. Crocker has stated that she believes this plan will disproportionately affect the Spanish-speaking communities in Nashville.

Despite these concerns, MNPS has affirmed that families will still have the option to enroll their children at LEAD Cameron Middle School regardless of the rezoning.

Goals of the Rezoning

The main aim of the MNPS rezoning is to create more streamlined pathways for students as they progress through elementary, middle, and high school, ideally keeping them within schools close to their homes. The new plan intends to alleviate overcrowding issues at certain schools benefiting from recent growth.

Specific Changes in School Assignments

In line with the approved rezoning plan, Napier Elementary School and Margaret Allen Middle School will be incorporated into the Glencliff cluster. Additionally, a small segment of students from John B. Whitsitt Elementary School will transition to Napier Elementary, affecting 36 students.

Another significant change involves 67 students moving from Two Rivers Middle School to Margaret Allen Middle School, and 136 students transferring from McGavock High School to Glencliff High School. MNPS highlighted that these moves aim to manage overcrowding at Whitsitt Elementary and to establish a new feeder pattern for the community.

Further Changes Across Districts

A small number of students from Julia Green Elementary School will also join the Hillsboro cluster, resulting in 28 students relocating to Percy Priest Elementary School. This initiative is part of an effort to ease overcrowding experienced at Julia Green.

Furthermore, adjustments in the school pathways will occur, with Una Elementary School now feeding into Apollo Middle School. Previously, Smith Springs Elementary School directed students to both Apollo and John F. Kennedy Middle Schools, but will now exclusively route to Apollo.

Community Feedback Welcomed

The MNPS board has welcomed feedback from the community regarding these changes. Parents and guardians are encouraged to share their thoughts and concerns regarding the impact of the new rezoning on their children’s education and school options.

As the school district prepares for the upcoming academic year, the rezoning plan represents a significant shift for Nashville’s educational landscape, aiming to better serve the community’s students and alleviate current school capacity issues.