(Smith County Insider Press) Gordonsville, Tenn. – Smith County’s growing population rate could become a problem for the school system. With enrollment numbers growing in 5 of the schools, the available space for students in classrooms is becoming limited. At the last Board of Education Meeting, Director of Schools, Barry Smith, made mention of the situation to the Board. Smith intends to began researching ideas on the issue and report back to the Board.
Currently, all of the schools within the county are meeting state regulations in regard to the matter. However, Smith delivered his point, “We just don’t want to meet state law. We want to do what is best for the students. I don’t think 45 or 50 children in the room with two teachers is the ideal situation.” (In reference to Defeated Elementary)
On the south side of the county, in particular Gordonsville’s schools, enrollment has seen increases. Gordonsville Elementary’s enrollment at the end of the 2014-2015 school year was 448. At the start of the 2015-2016 year the number had moved to 460. Gordonsville High School has seen a jump from 446 to 463. These numbers are projected to only increase due to Gordonsville’s booming growth. Also, Barry Smith referenced to the housing developments that are being constructed in Gordonsville’s zoning area that could bring as many as 200 homes.
Financially, the county is still paying for its immense school building program that could be paid off as early as 2019. Presently, $50 is used from the county’s wheel tax to help fund that program.
