Board considers Don Davidson as school reunification site; officials urge coordination with emergency services

FAYETTEVILLE, Tenn. — The Fayetteville Board of Aldermen reviewed a proposed memorandum of understanding that would let the school system use Don Davidson as a reunification site in the event students must evacuate campuses. City and police officials expressed concerns about using a reunification site very close to some schools, saying parent traffic and responder access could conflict with emergency operations. The police department recommended confirming logistics — including entry/exit routes, bus staging and whether the site would be “hot” (inside an incident zone) or “cold” (outside) — and suggested considering the rec center or fairgrounds as alternate sites with better traffic flow. School and city staff said the proposed MOU is part of routine annual emergency planning required of school districts. Officials said they would consult with police chiefs, the county sheriff’s office and regional emergency management (TBI/Homeland Security was referenced) to confirm the site’s suitability and would return with clarified operational details before a final municipal decision.