School board renews inspection period for Blackman Road parcel amid debate over Poplar Hill high school

The Rutherford County School Board voted May 14 to re‑execute and renew the inspection period on an approximately 85‑acre parcel on Blackman Road—commonly referred to as the Dismukes property—so staff can complete geotechnical and due‑diligence work and pursue purchase subject to county commission funding.

The motion to update and redate the existing contract and commence the 180‑day inspection period passed on a roll call: Mrs. Rosales Yes; Mr. Vaughn Yes; Mr. Tidwell No; Ms. Sharp Yes; Mr. Vaught Yes; Mrs. Darby No; Mrs. Maxwell Yes. Board members noted the final purchase would still be contingent on county approval of funding.

Why it matters: the property sits adjacent to Poplar Hill’s new elementary and middle campuses and could allow a three‑school community complex, a priority for supporters who said the district should secure a viable high‑school site before it is sold to private developers. Opponents said other capacity needs (La Vergne, Stewarts Creek) and proximity to I‑24 warrant caution.

Clarissa Smith, whose written comment was read into the record, urged the board to move forward: “I urge this board to place the Demuth [Dismukes] property under contract, complete the inspection process, and if the property passes inspection, move forward with the purchase.” She said planning now would let the Poplar Hill community continue on a single campus rather than be dispersed among other high schools.

Board discussion focused heavily on transportation and the state’s plans. Staff described two possible highway impacts: a full TDOT interchange that could require roughly 12 acres for right‑of‑way or a smaller flyover that might take about 6 acres, leaving an estimated 63–66 acres usable for a campus. Staff warned that TDOT could acquire property through agreement or condemnation if the interchange moves forward.

Board member Ms. Darby voiced reservations about the site’s adjacency to the interstate and whether the site would relieve overcrowding at other high schools: “A high school at Poplar Hill, while I would be happy to have one there eventually, is not where it is currently needed,” she said, noting capacity pressures at La Vergne and Stewarts Creek.

Supporters argued the seller prefers a school use and the district risks losing a contiguous site if it waits. “If we don’t buy this property… there’s not anything left to buy to build a high school,” one board member said during the discussion.

The board instructed staff to proceed with redating and re‑signing the contract to restart due diligence and the inspection clock; the contract retains two 30‑day extension options and remains contingent on county commission funding for purchase.

Next steps: staff will pursue inspections and surveys during the 180‑day window and will report findings back to the board; any final purchase requires county commission approval.