In the first of three public forums concerning the possible consolidation of the local high schools, supporters and detractors of the move had a chance to bring forth their questions and concerns.
Superintendent Chris Bentzel started the forum by saying his children attend school in the Christian County Public School System, and this is the type of facility he could support his children going to. Director of Instruction Jessica Addison says the consolidation would create more equitable education opportunities not just with Gateway Academy, but also AP courses and dual-credit options. Gateway would become part of the standard model in one facility, eliminating the need to bus students to and from the current off campus locations.
They unveiled the rough draft renderings of what the consolidated school could look like, saying ideas are still very much in the beginning stages—they wanted something they could show the public to help envision the project. Bentzel says they’re hopeful to find a site that’s centralized enough to keep most students from having long bus rides—with potential sites to be revealed within the next few weeks.
Carlos Wilson is concerned about the behaviors that could occur in one building with too many students and he’s worried about safety.
Edward Lee Major graduated from CCPS in 2018 and says HHS has needed to be replaced for many years, and a new facility would help education for students in numerous ways.
Matt McGowan says he disagrees with the process the school system has taken with this project, saying it appears to him the decision has already been made without true public input. Several people spoke both for and against the consolidation, and administrators fielded questions both during and after the forum.
Watch the forum in its entirety here: