The search for a location for a new high school in Wilson County has been expanded after some residents argued against one of the proposed sites.
District officials say a new school has to be built to accommodate the growing number of students, but the location is still unknown.
At Monday’s Board of Education Work Session, multiple residents addressed board members to express concerns about the school being built along Devonshire Road. The road runs through a residential area, and many had concerns about additional traffic and safety issues.
“I just don’t see how you are going to do it,” said one resident. “I don’t see how you will hook up all the streets to get everyone out safely.”
“This is not a well thought out plan,” added another resident.
During the meeting, Director of Schools Dr. Donna Wright said the district had just learned of another possible site at Highway 70 and North Greenhill Road in Mt. Juliet. She said it had been under contract, but the contract fell through. The site is approximately 65 acres and meets all the specifications needed for a new high school.
As a result, board members decided to study the site further, and address the issue again at next month’s board meeting.
The board is also considering a site along Highway 109, and another at the corner of Highway 109 and Highway 70.
Dr. Wright said a new school will be built to address overcrowding issues. Mt. Juliet High School currently has over 2100 students and is the fastest growing the district. Once board members vote on a final location, it will still be at least four years until construction on the new school will begin.
The Wilson County Board of Education meets again Mar. 7 at 6 p.m.
