Hopkins County Schools seek input on new location for Career/Tech Center | Schools

Multiple sites have been evaluated as a possible new location for Hopkins County Schools Career and Technology Center since construction stopped at the Grapevine Road site after continued subsidence. All but two options have been eliminated. Both of these options would place the building(s) on land al-ready owned by the school district, so there will be no cost for land acquisition.

Option 1: Follow existing architectural plans and build the facility on the east side of James Madison Middle School, facing Patriot Drive. This is currently the location of a practice football field. This option:

• Allows for the re-use of steel in the current building;
• Would use all stored materials already purchased;
• Makes six programs available to students, as well as a community room that could be used for meetings;
• Involves lower personnel costs.

Option 2: Build two identical, smaller facilities, one on the campus of each of the high schools. The facility at Hopkins County Central High School would likely be located at the back of the student parking lot; the Madisonville North Hopkins High School facility would be where the tennis courts are now. Four programs would likely be offered in each facility, with the other programs remaining in the high schools. This option:

• Offers more flexibility in scheduling for the high schools;
•  Requires less class time lost by students, who would not have to travel off campus;
•  May open classes to sophomores, as well as juniors and seniors.
•  Does not require transportation costs.

There is very little difference in the costs associated with the two options.

The Board of Education is asking for community input before selecting a new location for Hopkins County Schools Career and Technology Center. Surveys for parents and students will be placed on Infinite Campus starting Tuesday. A survey for community members will be available on the district website: www.hopkins.kyschools.us. The surveys will ask which option the individual supports, and their preferences in program choices.

The site selection remains a Board of Education decision, however board members would like public input before making the final decision. 

-Information from Hopkins County Schools