With a standing-room-only crowd, Christian County school board members voted Thursday night to move forward with consolidating the two high schools and purchasing the site where the new mega school will be located, pending approval by the Kentucky Department of Education.
At the beginning of the meeting, nearly a dozen individuals voiced their opinions during public comments — some for and some against — the consolidation of Christian County High, Hopkinsville High and Gateway Academy.
Anna Norris, an 18-year private education tutor, said the $115 million price tag to build the new mega school is the most expensive school in Kentucky in a community that is losing its population. She added the consolidation has been pushed through by a school board who has chosen to vote on this project singularly, ignored the public, and has “mastered the art of obfuscation at the public forums”.
During a lengthy discussion, board member Tiffany Mumford Brame stated that the children deserve to have the same opportunities as other kids in other districts.
Board Chair Tom Bell also said he’s “all in” but his decision is based on what is best for the kids.
The board voted 3-2 in favor of the BG-1 for construction of a consolidated high school with board members Lindsey Clark and Mike Walker casting the no votes. There was an immediate reaction from a few members of the crowd.
Assistant Superintendent Josh Hunt also presented the proposed site selected for the new mega school which will be located at the corner of Fort Campbell Boulevard and Lovers Lane. He added the 87.125 acres will be purchased from Associated Ventures LLC for $6 million.
The board approved the purchase of the property by a 4-1 vote with Walker the lone no vote. Hunt said the purchase of the property will need to be approved by the Kentucky Department of Education.
In other action, board members unanimously approved the property tax rates for 2021-2022 that will remain the same as last year — 42.3 cents per $100 of assessed value on real property and 42.8 cents on personal property per $100 of assessed value which is expected to produce more than $17.7 million.
Following Thursday night’s vote, board member Mike Walker explained in a post on Facebook why he voted against the consolidation of the high schools.
