'Time for change is now': Hickman Mills planning middle school redesign into two sites

The Hickman Mills School District announced plans to redesign its middle school program, adding a second site and promising enhanced learning and stronger supports for students.

“The time for change is now,” said Superintendent Yaw Obeng. “The district is actively taking a stand on changing the course of the middle school with two different schools, adding specialized learning, enrichment programs and providing additional social and emotional support for our students.”

Currently, the district’s 1,200 middle school students attend Smith-Hale Middle School, the second-largest school in the district after Ruskin High School.

The Hickman Mills school board recently approved the administration’s plans for redesigning middle school programming to overcome some of the challenges in ensuring students receive essential tools to reach their full potential, the district announced.

The district’s leadership team is currently exploring options for a second building site as well as developing new programming. The redesign, the district’s announcement said, “provides streamlined momentum toward the goal of full accreditation.”

“The Board of Education strongly supports the district in their efforts,” said Board President Byron Townsend. “As a parent, it is time to take some real action to improve student performance at Smith-Hale.”

Over the next few weeks, Superintendent Obeng will meet with parents, staff and the community to gather input before finalizing the plan.