$11M Maplewood High renovation begins

Email | Print By Amy Griffith Graydon

Ground was broken on an $11 million renovation at Maplewood High School this morning. The renovation is the school’s first since the mid-1980s, and money for the project was secured in last year’s capital budget.

“It is something that I feel is overdue,” said Interim Director of Schools Chris Henson. “It’s a building that deserves a renovation.”

The renovation includes construction of a free-standing gymnasium, more classrooms, a new heating and air-conditioning system, and an updating of the entire first floor of the existing school building. Students gathered for the ground-breaking applauded and cheered when it was noted that the new gym will be air-conditioned.

Maplewood Principal Julie Williams said the high school is in need of the work.

“We want our students to feel as good about their school as other students do,” Williams said.

After years of struggles with federal No Child Left Behind (NCLB) laws, as well as the appointment of Williams by the Tennessee Department of Education, Maplewood in the last school year met academic performance benchmarks necessary to be considered improving.

The school is in East Nashville and serves a population of predominantly minority, economically disadvantaged students.