A report by the Crossville Chronicle reports that the Cumberland County Board of Education explored options for implementing middle schools to better serve sixth through eighth graders, focusing on tailored academics, social-emotional learning, and extracurriculars separate from K-5 environments, at its September board retreat. Director of Schools Rebecca Farley outlined several approaches, including retrofitting existing buildings like Stone and Glenn Martin Elementary, constructing two new facilities amid funding challenges, or repurposing one high school building for middle school use while consolidating high schoolers elsewhere.

The discussion, attended by only community members Steve and Karen Frantzen, evolved from a spring break survey yielding 1,164 responses with 78.4% support for the transition; respondents highlighted benefits like specialized programs (76.6%) and improved social-emotional opportunities (71.5%), though concerns included transportation (60.3%) and potential overcrowding (39.5%). Farley, drawing on 27 years of experience, noted the unusually strong community backing, which originated from a December 2024 task force under former Director William Stepp.

To advance the initiative, the board expressed interest in forming a diverse delegation team—including parents, teachers, students, commissioners, and civic leaders—and scheduling community meetings starting January 2026 at feeder schools, libraries, or community centers to ensure public input. A proposed timeline targets an August 2027 launch, with steps like delegation formation by December 2025, housing decisions in March 2026, rezoning through September 2026, principal hiring in late 2026, and summer open houses in 2027; an alternative start is 2028-29.

The matter will be added to the next board meeting agenda for a vote, following a work session on September 18 and full meeting on September 25, where public comments are limited to three minutes per policy. An additional retreat is planned for November 6, with absences noted for board members Elizabeth Stull and Anita Hale.