Williamson County Looks Ahead to Building More Schools-Erika Lathon

Williamson County remains one of the fastest growing school districts in the state.

To keep pace, administrators are asking for millions of dollars to build new schools.

At the same time, the district is also bracing for a major change of leadership.

After 14 years as director of Williamson County Schools, Rebecca Sharber is preparing to move on.

Sharber says, "I told the school board I did not intend to extend my contract with them or look for a new contract. I'm ready to do something different."

Sharber's contract ends next June.

In the meantime, she's pushing forward with an agressive five year capital plan to build ten new schools at a cost of around $300 million.

Sharber says, "I think it will be an uphill battle. If we don't build the buildings we will be in portables which is not the strategy we had."

The school district is growing at a rate of about 1200 students per year and its difficult to keep pace without new classrooms.

Funding those schools is up to the county commission and the school system is asking for $125 million to begin phase one.

County Commission Chairman Houston Naron says, "It's a big request, its a huge request but I'm confident the county commission will fund the appropriate level that taxpayers in Williamson county can afford."

Schools are what attract lots of families to Williamson County.

Many residents say they wouldn't mind paying higher taxes to support the school system.

Parent Jennifer Potere says, "Because they're great in our area. We definitely need new schools yeah, I'd be willing to pay more."

Parent Gary Johnson says, "Nobody wants to pay more, but gotta pay for it some way."

While new schools will be part of the district's future, it's a plan that will move forward without Dr. Rebecca Sharber.

Sharber says, "My final day when I walk out the door will be hard because of the wonderful people but a good leader knows when its time for a change and I think it is."

The school board will submit its capital plan to the county commission.

From there it will go to the education and budget committees before it's voted on by the full commission.

Williamson County Looks Ahead to Building More Schools-Erika Lathon