CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – The Clarksville-Montgomery County School System is moving forward with construction projects meant to alleviate the full-capacity issues seen in the previous school years.

The use of portable classrooms to meet the needs of a growing population are somewhat bookmarked as the COVID-19 pandemic required the opening of a virtual academy, which approximately 14,000 students will be attending, with 20,000 returning to traditional school on Aug. 31.

The growth of the student population has not slowed.

During the 2019-20 school year, 36,627 students were enrolled in CMCSS, a 1,184-student increase from the highest reported enrollment in October 2018, and with projected growth for this school year.

“CMCSS has not constructed a new school since 2015, and is at its highest growth rate in 30 years with the addition of 3,861 students since that building opened,” said Anthony Johnson, schools spokesman. “Student growth is outpacing school construction. CMCSS now utilizes 119 portable classrooms. A 73% increase in portables over the last four years. Out of 50 new portables, 46 have been added to the north and northeastern quadrants of Montgomery County.”

With the county continuing to grow, the number of students will continue to grow as well.

“Roughly 5,990 acres of land in Montgomery County have been approved for new residential housing developments,” Johnson said. “Resulting student growth will necessitate additional action to address building capacity shortages, school bus infrastructure, and virtual technology needs in Montgomery County.”

Projects underway

Of the 24 elementary schools, eight schools were at 100% capacity or more last year, with Rossview Elementary at 124%, West Creek Elementary at 111% and Oakland Elementary at 114%.

In July, construction projects at West Creek and Oakland Elementary Schools began. Both projects are 12-classroom, two-restroom additions, replacing portable classrooms, and allow for expanded school capacities of 1,040 students.

Aerial view of the West Creek Elementary School addition project. Provided by CMCSS
Aerial view of the Oakland Elementary addition./CMCSS

This is an increase of 200 student seats in each school. West Creek is based on the floor plan of the Barkers Mill addition, and Oakland is based on the floor plan of the Rossview addition, Johnson said.

Each school will also have mechanical, technology, connector, and minor site and transportation modifications added to their current facility.

Construction projects that add wings to several elementary schools will be complete by August 2021.