When classes resumed in the Tate County School District last week, the doors at Coldwater High School remained closed for the first time in 64 years.
United States Northern District Judge Debra M. Brown granted a request last December to close grades seven through 12 at Coldwater beginning with the 2023-24 school year. Coldwater High School opened in 1958.
The TCSD school board agreed in February to make U.S. Highway 51 the dividing line for the high school attendance zones. Coldwater High School students who reside west of the dividing line of U.S. Highway 51 are required to attend Strayhorn High, while students on the east side are considered to be in Independence High’s district.
“We’ve moved textbooks, desks, a computer lab, and other equipment and supplies from Coldwater High School to Independence and Strayhorn to serve students at those schools in preparation for the change,” said Superintendent Alee’ Dixon. “Everything is set and ready to go including teachers and bus routes.”
When the new school lines were drawn and adopted in February, an estimated 100 of 187 Coldwater High School students would attend Independence and 87 would be designated for Strayhorn. Dixon said official numbers will be released after registration is complete.
Coldwater Elementary School was not included in the closure and continues to serve the educational needs of children from kindergarten through sixth grade.
“We had a few hiccups here and there, but we laid everything out ahead of time and everyone pulled together to ensure the transition went smoothly,” Dixon explained. “We are excited about the school year and look forward to making it the best ever for Tate County schools.”
