The Christian County School Board moved forward on the consolidated high school project with approval of land purchasing and approval of a BG1 for construction of the facility.
The purchase agreement of 87 acres of land at the corner of Lovers Lane and Fort Campbell Boulevard was approved unanimously, with board member Mike Walker saying no property is perfect, and based on the requirements from the Kentucky Department of Education, it was the best option available for them to move forward.
The board also unanimously approved the BG1 for construction of the consolidated high school facility, including Gateway Academy, with construction costs in the amount of $97 million and total project costs at $107 million. The board also approved a resolution that would set aside $450,000 annually from the general fund to go towards bond payments for at least 25 years or however long it takes to pay the debt.
Architect Keith Sharp says this is an exciting project that will shape education in the community for years to come with no extra taxation to the citizens.
The BG1 forms are set to be sent to KDE for approval, with the goal for most forms and bids to be accepted and approved before September of 2022, which is the deadline that the $10 million grant recently received from the state must be implemented.
In other action, the board approved an agreement between the Christian County Public School System and RunSwitch, LLC for communications operations in the school system. Superintendent Chris Bentzel says the time was right with the recent exit of their standard Communications Director, and he believes this trial run with RunSwitch will provide a quality service highlighting the good things the district is doing.
The agreement is for $6,000 a month with a limit of $30,000—it was approved on a three-to-two vote, with board members Lindsey Clark and Mike Walker voting against it.