Wilson County board adopts demolition-and-rebuild plan for Wells Hearn Elementary

The Wilson County Board of Education on a unanimous vote adopted a demolition-and-rebuild concept for the new Wells Hearn Elementary School, selecting option three — raze and rebuild on the existing site — after a presentation by Barnhill and Oakley Collier Architects.

Board member Mr. Brame, presenting the committee recommendation, said the third option “provided the most flexibility in regards to adding additions in the future” and noted it would likely reduce project costs and avoid complicated phasing while school operations continued. Mr. Brame added the plan would be “the safest for our students” and would allow room for playgrounds and other student spaces.

Barnhill and Oakley Collier Architects presented three concept designs the committee reviewed: two options that would have constructed while Wells remained occupied, which the board said would limit future expansion and create logistical challenges, and a third option to demolish and rebuild, which the committee said would remove those constraints. The board heard the demolition timeline was tied to completion of Frederick Douglass Elementary; architects stated Frederick Douglass is expected to be completed by July 2027, allowing Wells Hearn demolition to begin thereafter.

Mr. Breen moved adoption of option three; Dr. Fitch seconded the motion. The board voted unanimously to adopt the demolition-and-rebuild concept. Board members noted the decision was made to preserve flexibility for future additions and to reduce complexity and cost compared with phased construction.

Next steps include finalizing design documents and coordinating funding and scheduling tied to lottery funds and the district’s needs-based grant. The board did not vote on construction contracts at this meeting; the decision taken was to adopt the concept design that will guide subsequent procurement and permitting.