Keep our children at Stewarts Creek Elementary

Recent signers:
Binita Patel and 19 others have signed recently.

The Issue

My family and I live the Blakeney neighborhood, which is .9 miles from the Stewarts Creek School Campus, in Smyrna Tennessee.  This rezoning will have our subdivision moved to another Elementary school 13 minutes away (requiring us to pass SCE to get there), while subdivisions that are much further out will be bussed in. 

 


Like many parents here, I'm deeply worried about the proposed rezoning plan by the Rutherford County School Board. My children, like so many others, have already been subjected to enrollment caps and previous zoning changes. These disruptions are not just inconvenient; they can profoundly impact a child's educational experience and personal development.

For the students in our neighborhoods, Stewarts Creek has been more than just a school; it's been a community, a source of friendships, a consistent environment in which they have thrived. The prospect of being uprooted yet again is daunting. Children need stability and consistency in their schooling to foster a sense of belonging and ensure academic success.

Many families, including mine, chose to live in these specific neighborhoods precisely because of their proximity to Stewarts Creek schools, reducing school commute times and increasing safety for our kids.

Realignment that ignores these established communities could lead to increased transportation issues, higher costs for busing, and a loss of the close-knit relationships that have formed over years. In addition, there is a potential negative impact on property values, as proximity to quality schools is a significant factor for current and prospective homeowners.

We urge the Rutherford County School Board to reconsider this rezoning proposal. Let us maintain a sense of stability for Stewarts Creek students by keeping our current school zone intact. Join us in standing up for our children's education and well-being. Sign this petition today to keep Stewarts Creek schools as the academic home for our children!

135

Recent signers:
Binita Patel and 19 others have signed recently.

The Issue

My family and I live the Blakeney neighborhood, which is .9 miles from the Stewarts Creek School Campus, in Smyrna Tennessee.  This rezoning will have our subdivision moved to another Elementary school 13 minutes away (requiring us to pass SCE to get there), while subdivisions that are much further out will be bussed in. 

 


Like many parents here, I'm deeply worried about the proposed rezoning plan by the Rutherford County School Board. My children, like so many others, have already been subjected to enrollment caps and previous zoning changes. These disruptions are not just inconvenient; they can profoundly impact a child's educational experience and personal development.

For the students in our neighborhoods, Stewarts Creek has been more than just a school; it's been a community, a source of friendships, a consistent environment in which they have thrived. The prospect of being uprooted yet again is daunting. Children need stability and consistency in their schooling to foster a sense of belonging and ensure academic success.

Many families, including mine, chose to live in these specific neighborhoods precisely because of their proximity to Stewarts Creek schools, reducing school commute times and increasing safety for our kids.

Realignment that ignores these established communities could lead to increased transportation issues, higher costs for busing, and a loss of the close-knit relationships that have formed over years. In addition, there is a potential negative impact on property values, as proximity to quality schools is a significant factor for current and prospective homeowners.

We urge the Rutherford County School Board to reconsider this rezoning proposal. Let us maintain a sense of stability for Stewarts Creek students by keeping our current school zone intact. Join us in standing up for our children's education and well-being. Sign this petition today to keep Stewarts Creek schools as the academic home for our children!

The Decision Makers

Rutherford County School Board
4 Members
3 Responded
Caleb Tidwell
Rutherford County School Board - Zone 3
Thank you for making me aware of this petition. Rezoning is not something that any board member looks forward to. However, at the most recent board meeting, I stated my position. A rezone for this area is not only necessary but crucial. There are two concepts. One concept keeps the community's closest to Stewart's Creek in the zone. The other concept keeps a larger geographic area in Stewart's Creek zone but removes a dense neighborhood nearby. I am open to feedback on which concept is more preferential? Right now, I am leaning toward concept 2. Be blessed, Caleb Tidwell Rutherford County School Board Zone 3 tidwellc@rcschools.net 615.406.0208
Stan Vaught
Rutherford County School Board - Zone 2
Yes, I have seen and read all emails regarding the rezoning issue. We will do our best with the information that has been provided. Thank you, Stan Vaught
Katie Darby
Rutherford County School Board - Zone 4
Thank you for sending me this. I am aware of the petition and I applaud your community for getting together and making their voices heard. I am working to try and get the board to approve an alternative to rezoning the elementary school. I would like to see us cap SCE to anyone new moving into the zone. We would then have to decide which zoning concept to use for incoming kindergarten classes moving forward. I'm hoping this solution will be helpful to not rezone students that have already had to move schools and leaves those closest to the school (currently in residence) in the zone. I will also be advocating to add a new elementary school on the Lee Road property to the 5 year plan. It is 100% clear to me that the area needs another elementary school. Please encourage your community members to attend and speak at the meeting this week if possible. If you would like to discuss this any further please feel free to call or email me. Katie Darby Rutherford County School Board Zone 4

Supporter Voices

Petition updates
Share this petition
Petition created on November 19, 2025