The Lebanon Special School District Board of Education convened for a work session to discuss significant changes to the board's structure and address pressing enrollment issues within the district. The primary focus was on the planned expansion of the board from three to five members, with discussions centering around the representation model—whether to implement zones or maintain an at-large system.

Board members expressed the need for legal counsel to navigate the expansion process effectively, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that the new structure reflects the community's demographics. The timeline for implementing these changes is flexible, with a deadline set for January to comply with state legislation.

In addition to board expansion, the meeting highlighted the urgent need for increased classroom capacity due to rising student enrollment. Current projections indicate that kindergarten enrollment is nearing 800 students, while the exiting eighth-grade class is just under 500, signaling a significant growth trend. Board members discussed the potential for adding 12 classrooms at Jones Brumley School to accommodate this influx, as well as the possibility of establishing a middle school on the same site in the future.

Concerns were raised about the financial implications of these expansions, with board members acknowledging that constructing new facilities would likely require a tax increase. The board plans to gather cost estimates for various expansion options, including both additions and new builds, to inform their decision-making process.

Overall, the meeting underscored the board's commitment to addressing the district's growth challenges while ensuring that governance structures are representative and effective. Further discussions are anticipated as the board seeks to finalize its plans for both expansion and facility upgrades.