EC 5/6 Will Remain Standing For Now: Multiple Entities to Use Building After This School Year

Edmonson Voice photo of the Edmonson County 5/6 Center.

Darren Doyle, story and photo:
Much of the community was saddened when it was first announced that this year would be the final run for the Edmonson County 5/6 Center, formerly the Edmonson County Middle School, formerly Edmonson County High School. Talk of demolition resulted in negative feelings for those feeling nostalgic; but as for now, demolition is not being discussed.

The history of the building goes back to the start of construction in 1958 when local high schools were consolidated for the 59-60 school year. That history will extend at least a little while, as plans for keeping the building in tact will remain in the short term.

"Anybody about age 10 and up that's been through our school system over the past 66 years has history in this building," said Superintendent of Schools Brian Alexander.

Multiple entities already have plans to make use of the building almost as soon as school is out this year. Those entities include the Edmonson County Public Library, The Edmonson County Senior Center, and Edmonson County Schools' Alternative Learning Center (ALC). 

"We have even more entities reaching out to us in discussion how the building can be further used," said Mr. Alexander.

The Public Library will soon have to find a temporary home as their huge renovation project on Ferguson Street continues. That temporary home will be the 5/6 Center Library.

"The Library will use the space for the old school library along with some classrooms and we're very pleased to have the chance to work with them while their project remains ongoing," he said.

The Senior Center, currently housed at Cedar Grove Baptist Church on Washington Street, will move into the 5/6 Center sometime this summer as well, Alexander said.

"Of course, all this is short term for now, how short--we don't know exactly, but the building still has some useful life left. It's an historical part of our community and we don't want to see it go, but we can't sink a ton of money into it for obvious reasons."

He said the roof was one of the major factors in the need for a new a school setting for fifth and sixth graders, which will now be at SEES and Kyrock.

In addition, Edmonson County Schools' Dept. of Transportation is splitting into both transportation and maintenance, with maintenance getting their new home, at least for now, at the 5/6 Center. 

"We plan on moving people in as soon as school is out," he said. "As the old saying goes, 'they don't make 'em like they used to,' and that's true, but energy efficiency is also an issue at the building. And there are several other reasons we need new facilities for our students, however, we're looking at least making a few improvements while we can. This building is somewhat of a shrine to many people in our community."

Some of those improvements include a new paint job in the gym, as Edmonson County Parks and Rec will use the gym in a number of ways. 

"We are coordinating with Parks and Rec to see how county programs can benefit from the gym, which was built in 1968. Again, when you talk about history, you've got to include the gym and all the wonderful memories people have there. The school system will still be able to use the building as an auxiliary gym when needed."

Kyrock Elementary/South Edmonson Elementary Update:

Alexander said construction is currently ahead of schedule for Kyrock and barring something catastrophic or a horrible, unforeseen winter in 26-27, the school should still be on or ahead of schedule to open in time for school in August of 2027.

"Things are going very well out there and we're excited for the kids in that community," he said. "It's long overdue."

He said South Edmonson is running tight, but still on schedule. He said he is looking for the expansion project is expected to be complete by around July 4th of this year.

"There's going to be plenty of room at South and we're very thankful for that. In addition to those projects, we've recently remodeled the the commons area at the current middle school and gained another classroom from that. I'm very proud of where we are as a district. Pay is up, new upgrades are happening and more are expected."