200 students may move as Cheatham County weighs merging two elementary schools

About 200 students at Pegram Elementary in Cheatham County may be transferred to Kingston Springs Elementary under a proposal currently under review by the local school district. The plan would merge the two South Cheatham County schools into a single elementary campus, potentially starting as early as the 2027-28 academic year. No final vote has been taken, but district officials confirmed the proposal exists.

Tim Adkins, a spokesperson for the Cheatham County School District, told WSMV on Tuesday afternoon that the merger is intended to consolidate the two schools while improving educational opportunities and support services. Kingston Springs Elementary currently enrolls approximately 300 students. District sources say the building has a capacity of 480 students. Officials indicated that if the merger proceeds, the district may need to add construction to the school or install portable classrooms to accommodate the increased enrollment. The district did not provide additional details on its reasoning for the proposal.

In a letter sent to parents on Tuesday night, Cheatham County Mayor Bill Anderson outlined a plan to repurpose the vacant Pegram Elementary building as a public library. The letter, obtained by WSMV, suggests the physical structure would remain in use even if the school closes its doors.

Richard Mitchell, a parent and former student at Pegram Elementary, expressed concern about the potential closure. He noted that his sister, wife, and cousins all attended the school, which has served the community for decades. Mitchell said he worries about the staff, including a janitor who has worked there since he was a student. "I fear for the livelihoods of the teachers and staff here," Mitchell said. "To see that building empty or to see it not being utilized, I think that would really put a kind of a black eye or a bruise on the community." The district has not yet explained how the move would affect current staff members.

The Cheatham County School Board is scheduled to discuss the proposal at a work session meeting at 6 p.m. on Thursday, October 29. The meeting will take place in the cafeteria at Ashland City Elementary STEM Academy. If the board moves the proposal forward, Adkins said the district will hold community forums at both schools to answer questions from families.