Rationale
In every decision that we make at Logan County Schools, our most important consideration is that we do what is best for our students, and with a long-term look to the future. Ensuring that each of our schools provide similar opportunities for a high-quality education is a critical part of that. We have an opportunity to re-balance our student population between two schools: Auburn and Adairville. Our community has five really fantastic K-8 schools. Each has a staff that does its best every day to keep our students safe, provide access to a great education and multiple opportunities for engagement, and to meet their needs where they are. And students at each of our schools are proud of their schools and the opportunities that each one provides.
Logan County School District's enrollment boundaries, from what we have determined, have remained mostly unchanged for nearly 50 years. Over this time, our communities have experienced significant shifts in business, industry, and population. Growth in neighboring counties, particularly Simpson and Warren, has had a notable impact on local housing and school enrollments.
Auburn School, now serving about 780 students, has exceeded its capacity of 712, with a majority of its classroom sizes below current state square footage guidelines. While the schools in Adairville, Chandlers, Lewisburg, and Olmstead have received the most recent facility upgrades, the district will eventually construct a new facility for Auburn. In 2021, the district purchased 20 acres on Irl Scott Road as the site for a potential new school. Although no specific timeline has been established, construction could potentially begin within the next three to five years. Furthermore, state approval for a new facility requires maintaining an enrollment above 700 students to justify a building with a capacity of 750–800 students. Adjusting boundary lines to balance enrollment is an important first step in preparing for this future project.
Adairville School, which previously enrolled close to 450 students, has averaged about 350 students over the past decade. Redistricting some students from Auburn to Adairville would optimize the use of Adairville’s available space, alleviate overcrowding at Auburn, and create capacity for the anticipated future growth in Auburn’s enrollment.
While we know that change is not always easy, we know that doing what is best for students is always right. Students tend to be more flexible and resilient, and those who do get the opportunity to change schools will have the added benefit of making a broader circle of friends as students from all five schools come together at Logan County High School.