Brentwood Students To Be Rezoned If Funding Delayed: WCS

BRENTWOOD, TN — If the Williamson County Commission cannot or will not fund an expansion at Brentwood Middle School and Brentwood High School, hundreds of students would have to be rezoned in time for the 2018-19 school year, the district says. An alternative rezoning plan in case of that eventuality will be revealed Thursday.

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As the school district awaits approval for funding a $17.2 million expansion at the two schools — the commission delayed a vote on the plan in March — officials are having to create a just-in-case scenario. While full details of the back-up plan won't be available until later this week, the district said Brentwood students will be shifted to schools in Franklin, Nolensville and Fairview.

The county commission has become increasingly hesitant to fund new schools projects because it's likely to require a tax increase.

"They do have a cash flow problem," Director of Schools Mike Looney told The Tennessean. "If they borrow more money, they're going to have to increase revenue somehow. ... Frankly, I think commissioners will find a way."