The Cheatham County school board took decisive action Thursday night, voting unanimously to end discussions about consolidating Pegram Elementary School with Kingston Springs Elementary. Community members, parents, and staff rallied at the meeting, urging the board to keep Pegram open and to address the district’s broader enrollment challenges.
Financial realities drive the decision
Board member David Risner explained that the district has been using its reserve funds to balance the budget for years. “For several years now we have had to use what is essentially our savings account to balance our budget. To keep the same services, keep the same staff, provide Christmas bonuses to our employees, provide pre‑K programs, all of that has a cost to it,” Risner said. “The pot of money is not growing to meet the demand of the cost of that.”
Chairman Amber Locke echoed the concern, noting that the financial situation is “real” and affects multiple schools across the county. “We can’t not do anything. The financial situation is real. Yes, it is here at Pegram, it is in other areas, Mr. Risner’s comments were solid, the truth is hard to hear sometimes. We’ve got an issue here,” Locke said.
Parents and staff voice strong opposition
Before the vote, parents and teachers from both schools spoke passionately against a merger. They warned that larger class sizes could dilute the individualized attention students receive and potentially hinder community growth for years to come.
Pegram Elementary principal Sarah Spain asked, “We keep hearing how this decision is based on what’s best for students, but I ask you, how is removing children from a school where they are thriving, placing them in a much larger population where their individual needs could be overlooked, and disrupting relationships that have made them successful, be in their best interest?”
Parent Stephanie Gradone added, “Our children are more than numbers on a spreadsheet. Consolidation should be the last resort, not the first solution.”
Board looks to enrollment committees
Director of Schools Stacy Brown said the board recognizes that every cluster of schools needs a focused effort to improve enrollment. The board expressed interest in creating a committee—or committees—in each district to explore strategies for attracting and retaining families.
Brown noted that successful enrollment growth often hinges on community outreach, marketing the district’s strengths, and ensuring that school facilities meet modern expectations. “We need a proactive plan that highlights the quality of education, the safety of our campuses, and the supportive environment we provide for families,” she said.
Local support evident
The meeting room was filled with supporters wearing blue, the school’s colors, and applause broke out after the unanimous vote to halt consolidation talks. The community’s response underscores the deep ties many families feel to their neighborhood schools and the desire for local control over educational decisions.
Next steps
While the board has stopped the immediate consolidation proposal, the enrollment issue remains a priority. The upcoming committees will gather input from parents, teachers, and local businesses to develop a comprehensive plan aimed at increasing student numbers and stabilizing the district’s finances.
Board members emphasized that the decision reflects a commitment to preserving the character of Cheatham County’s schools while responsibly managing limited resources. The board will reconvene later this year to review the committees’ recommendations and determine further actions.
Original reporting: NewsChannel 5 WTVF (Scripps) – local — read the source article.
