The Christian County Public School System hosted their third and final public forum concerning the possible consolidation of the two local high schools Thursday evening.
This forum was held at South Christian Elementary School and officials discussed the process that led to the recommendation, including the establishment of the Local Planning Committee, and a High Schools Steering Committee, who reviewed information and possibilities concerning unmet facility needs in the district. Superintendent Chris Bentzel says their hope with consolidation is to offer an education experience that develops the whole child by surrounding them with the tools they need to succeed.
He also says that it would be fair to all students, instead of asking one group to wait several years for a new school while another group gets one quickly.
Director of Instruction Jessica Addison says the ‘academy’ style model of learning that would be in the consolidated building—which would also include Gateway Academy, eliminating the need to bus students to a separate campus—would allow students to gain experience in a field while also still teaching them those core subjects.
Bentzel has said that this project would not result in a tax increase to fund it—the funding would come from COVID relief money, grants and an increase in bonding capacity. Those opposed to the idea requested that the school district host public polls to really gauge community interest—Bentzel replied that the community has board members that they elected to represent them, and they are always listening to citizens and providing feedback to the district.
Bentzel says everyone agrees that small schools are the most beneficial for children, but that’s not a feasible option even with two schools, so this would allow them to break the student population into five different academy, creating a smaller school structure inside the single facility.