MT. JULIET, Tenn. -
It's the beginning of a new year and schools are already tackling the issue of too many students and too little space.
At Mt. Juliet's West Elementary, there are 38 children in a first grade class, nearly double the number there normally are. Two teachers share the room because the school is out of space.
The school has the capacity to serve 400 students but closer to 600 children attend West Elementary.
At least one grandmother is concerned. "These crowded classrooms mean automatically he is going to be closer to sick kids when he's there," she told Nashville's News 2. "They have only three boy's and three girl's restrooms in the school. That means they stand in line in the hall to go to the bathroom. You know kids, they wait until the last minute so it gets to be a real problem."
The district, which has had considerable growth recently, is trying to address the problems.
Next month, construction will begin on a massive expansion project that will more than double the size of the school.
"It's unfortunate that we have to make some modifications this year to get through the year but I think if everyone will just be patient and get through this the rewards will be very, very good for parents, students, faculty and everyone involved," said Mike Davis, director of Wilson County Schools.
Friday, an empty portable classroom behind the school was moved to make room for the new addition. It can't come soon enough for teachers and students.
Construction is scheduled to begin early next month.
The expansion at West Elementary is expected to be finished by fall of 2013.
