CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – The Clarksville-Montgomery County School Board has approved a resolution to pay for construction of Freedom Elementary School and a recommendation for architectural design services for major renovations at the new Burt Innovation Center.
In the last two years, in response to ongoing growth in enrollment, CMCSS has seen shifting attendance zones to make room for new schools, as well as repurposing old schools.
Progress of Freedom Elementary
After naming the 26th elementary school Freedom Elementary in April 2024, CMCSS entered into the architect and design phases of the construction plan. The school is planned at the end of Wallace Boulevard, just west of Outlaw Field Road.
On Feb. 18, the board approved the plan to spend $44.8 million for construction of the school on a 17.96 acre-lot off of Fort Campbell Boulevard. The measure now goes to the County Commission for approval, tentatively in April, according to CMCSS spokesman Anthony Johnson.
Construction efforts are expected to begin in May. Freedom Elementary is to be completed by fall 2026, which lines up with the 5-year Construction Plan and Timeline.
Major renovations coming to Burt
As CMCSS began school rezoning efforts toward the end of 2023 and going into 2024, it was revealed that two elementary schools would be repurposed to serve the community in different ways: St. Bethlehem and Burt.
In May 2024, Burt Elementary closed its doors, and just months later, at the start of the new school year, it reopened as the Burt Innovation Center, a facility for innovative high school models, including being the new home of Middle College at Austin Peay State University.
In January 2025, the CMCSS Operations Team proposed a $2 million renovation and expansion project to be paid for with Innovative School Model grant funds and using Lyle Cook Martin Architects for design services.
This renovation would “enhance Career and Technical Education (CTE) by fostering entrepreneurship,” and “will provide students with hands-on experience in developing solutions, starting businesses, launching products and delivering services that create value in real industries and markets,” according to the proposal.
The board voted approved the design services at the Feb. 18 meeting. While there isn’t a firm date for a final rendering, the project is being expedited, according to Johnson.
Johnson says that most of the work will happen in future occupancy areas, so it will not significantly impact currently occupied areas. There are no plans to close Burt for any extended time during the renovation.
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