On the heels of an open house welcoming more than 800 students and parents, Christian County Public Schools officials, noted dignitaries and the Christian County Chamber of Commerce gathered in front of Hopkinsville Middle School Tuesday afternoon — cutting the ribbon, and celebrating a completed remodel on 14405 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive.
As its beaming principal, Trigg County High School graduate and longtime educator Andrew Goins drew a warm laugh from his staff — warning he wanted to tell a story.
Goins not only brought his own pair of scissors for the affair but called Chamber President Taylor Hayes and his Director of Membership Chandler Ladd — asking if he also needed to provide the ribbon through a Hobby Lobby purchase.
Thankfully, they said, such measures weren’t necessary.
Meanwhile, the return of sixth graders back into their rightful ranks at CCPS has been lauded by educators and families alike, and Superintendent Chris Bentzel noted the decision was based on the maximizing of square footage, the efficient use of taxpayer dollars, and the preparation of space for an early learning center in the middle of the district.
It also provides CCPS with another facility similar to the burgeoning Christian County Middle School.
Myron Dossett, state representative for the Ninth District, has his own skin in this game — with grandchildren in the schools — and urged that the only criticisms coming about CCPS decision-making are from people who don’t like disruption and change.
One goal, he said, has been at the top of the list.
Another ribbon cutting is planned for 3 PM Thursday at 434 Koffman Drive — the former location of Hopkinsville Middle School, and the new location of Indian Hills Elementary School.
