Dickson County School Board Seeks $47 Million Facilities Investment in Phase One Upgrade Plan
Dickson, TN — The Dickson County Board of Education is asking the County Commission to partner on a major $47 million facilities improvement package, marking what could become one of the largest school capital investments in recent years.
During Monday night’s County Commission meeting, Director of Schools Dr. Christie Southerland and Board Chairman Brogden formally presented a resolution requesting approval to fund Phase 1 of a district-wide facilities plan.
The proposal calls for:
$17 million from the school system’s fund balance
$30 million in county funds
If approved, the combined $47 million would fund significant upgrades and expansions at multiple campuses across the district.
Campuses Included in Phase 1
The schools identified in the proposal include:
Charlotte Middle School
Dickson Middle School
Dickson County High School
William James Middle School
Transportation Garage
District leaders described the proposal as part of a broader facilities master plan, which Southerland emphasized is “living and breathing,” meaning it will evolve as enrollment trends and needs shift over time.
What the Money Would Fund?
According to documents presented to commissioners, projects could include (but are not limited to):
Classroom additions
Cafeteria and food service expansions
HVAC system upgrades
Window and entry improvements
Security enhancements
Fire suppression and alarm systems
Roofing projects at multiple schools
School office upgrades
Auditorium renovations
Demolition of old Oakmont
Miscellaneous repairs and finish upgrades
Board members stressed that the final scope of projects would depend on bids and contract awards, with priorities set by board action.
Why Now?
Southerland framed the request as an investment in long-term student outcomes and workforce development.
“Outcomes and funding go hand in hand,” she told commissioners, noting that research links increased school investment to improved graduation rates and long-term earnings.
She added that approximately 85% of Dickson County students remain in the community after graduation, meaning facility investments directly impact the county’s future workforce.
Board Chairman Brogden said the resolution follows months of discussion and planning sessions focused on enrollment trends, building conditions, and geographic needs.
“We have prioritized some of our needs,” Brogden said, adding that the vote by the school board to bring the resolution forward was unanimous.
What Happens Next?
The County Commission did not take action on Tuesday night.
Several commissioners said the proposal needs to be reviewed in detail during an upcoming work session, similar to how the county budget is handled each year. The request is expected to return for further discussion before any formal vote.
County officials indicated the county’s debt service capacity would allow the $30 million commitment without raising property taxes, though commissioners signaled they want to closely examine long-term financial implications before making a final decision.
The matter is expected to move to work session discussion in the coming weeks, with a potential vote following after review.
Why It Matters
If approved, the package would represent a significant joint commitment between the school board and county government — combining existing school reserves with county borrowing authority — to address facility needs across multiple campuses.
The coming vote could become one of the most consequential financial decisions facing county leaders this year.
For now, the proposal moves into the review phase — but the debate over how and when to invest nearly $50 million into Dickson County schools is just beginning.