Christian County Public Schools leaders are well aware of one major structure that must be present when school consolidation construction finishes up next spring.
And that’s a greenhouse.
District officials made even more certain that one is on the way during Thursday night’s Board of Education meeting, when members approved a $450,000-plus contract with Kansas City, Missouri’s Stuppy Greenhouse — made possible through a $212,000 50/50 matching grant.
Assistant Superintendent Dr. Jason Wilson confirmed the grant came through the local Ag Development Board, and that the size of it will be roughed in around 40 feet by 84 feet, or roughly 3,400 square.
Wilson once again confirmed the greenhouse will be located near the south side of campus — between the main property and Murray State University’s regional center.
Members also approved two other recommendations for kitchen equipment. The cafeteria’s main units will come through C&T Design at roughly $1.3 million. Wilson said this had already been appropriated in the BG project planning, and that this offer came in nearly $230,000 under budget while meeting bid specs. Furthermore, the school’s culinary division will be embracing a $311,000 kitchen classroom, in which students will have daily access to an industrial-sized cooking space. This, Wilson added, came in at half of what was budgeted.
Superintendent Chris Bentzel confirmed that Alliance Corporation is roughly “78-to-80%” complete on the new consolidation build.
Everything, he added, is nearly under roof — with work still needed over what is called “Part A,” which is the music, choir and arts section. Basketball goals are being hung in the auxiliary gymnasium, and air conditioning and lights have been installed in two sections.
In a three-minute sermon to board members, Dr. John Ebert said he would continue to address concerns on the morality and legality of what he said is the board’s refusal to approve “his” plan to make New Testaments available to students.
A report filed two weeks ago by Louisville Courier Journal’s Keely Doll details a similar situation, where the Oldham County Board of Education is still reviewing a proposal from LifeWise Academy, which is an Ohio-based Christian education group offering off-campus Bible lessons for third- through fifth-graders at Locust Grove Elementary.
The request follows Senate Bill 19, which is a new Kentucky law that allows outside organizations to provide “moral instruction” during school hours. Parents may opt their children into such programs for one hour a week during enrichment classes like art or gym.
SB 19 passed after Republican lawmakers in the House and Senate overrode Gov. Andy Beshear’s veto, and this has sparked debate among parents and community members. Supporters, including Sen. Lindsey Tichenor, argue the program expands an existing option and could help address youth mental health by reinforcing Christian values.
Opponents, such as Anita Davis of Kentucky Citizens for Democracy, say the proposal blurs the line drawn with separation of church and state, and could lead to exclusion or bullying of students who do not participate in said programming.
Doll reported that Oldham County board members have not taken a position yet and will seek legal guidance from the state attorney general before setting policies on such programs.
Ebert, meanwhile, said he would be returning to CCPS leadership next month.
Full Dr. Ebert Audio:
