Christian County School Board members selected a new bank for financial services and approved purchasing vehicles for the school district’s police department at Thursday’s meeting.
Construction continues on schedule at the consolidated high school, and Kevin Hitchell from Alliance Corporation says they still plan to have the school completed in Spring 2026. Hitchell says a majority of the roofing is completed with only two building sections not completed yet.
Hitchell also says they have interim switchgear installed so the school has power, and he expects the permanent switchgear to possibly be delivered in June.
The school district currently relies on F&M Bank for banking needs, but the board selected a new bank to take on that role starting on July 1. District Finance Director Jessica Darnell says they received two official bids from United Community Bank and Planters Bank. However, United Community Bank does not have offices in Kentucky, leaving Planters Bank as the sole bidder that the board selected.
Turning toward school law enforcement, the board continues to make steps toward establishing a district police department and approved advertising for bids to purchase 10 police vehicles. Director of School Safety and Security Clayton Sumner says officers can take the cars home, but can not use them recreationally.
Sumner also shared that officers will be sworn-in peace officers and have the authority to respond to crimes off campus that they may witness. Superintendent Chris Bentzel praised Sumner and School Safety and Security Chief, Michael Seis for their work so far and says he has already noticed a better quality in security and law enforcement services.
Bentzel says they plan to hire eight school resource officers before the 2025-26 school year starts.