Superintendent Brian Alexander Discusses Plans for New School, Appointment to State Council, More

Big Changes Coming to Edmonson County Schools

Architectural drawing of the new Kyrock Elementary School.

Darren Doyle, story and photos:
Today, Edmonson County Superintendent of Schools Brian Alexander discussed the approved plans for the building of a brand new Kyrock Elementary School that is expected to begin construction in about a year. Along with those plans comes a ton of changes to the way schooling will be done in Edmonson County from this point. Those plans include an expansion and remodeling of South Edmonson Elementary and an eventual demolition of the current Edmonson County 5/6 Center with the gym to remain intact.

In addition to discussing the big changes coming to local school properties, Alexander also shared his thoughts on recently being appointed to Kentucky's Local Superintendents Advisory Council, or the LSAC. That means that Edmonson County now has a seat at the table where statewide school policies are created.

"The local school board just awarded me another four-year contract as superintendent of schools and I want to do all I can while I have the opportunity," he said. "Ever since I first started my career in education, I've wanted to be the superintendent, and only because I've always wanted to make a positive difference."

Alexander said our county school system is somewhat at a crossroads by way of expected growth that is coming. As more Bowling Green area jobs bring families closer to the county line and into Edmonson, more kids are on the way into local classrooms, which will require more room and updated facilities.

"This year, we've already seen an entire classroom of students, plus some, (added) in attendance at Kyrock and that's one of the many reasons we're building a new school."

Alexander said construction on the new, two-story facility with two gymnasiums is set to begin in May of 2025 with completion estimated to be prior to the start of the 2027-28 school year.

Lower level floor plan of the new Kyrock Elementary.

Upper level floor plan of the new Kyrock Elementary.

The newest part of the current Kyrock was remodeled and expanded in the early 90s, with the addition of the gym and other space. Other parts of the school date back to the 70s.

"It's simply time for a new facility," he said. "One of my top priorities when I first became superintendent was to expand Kyrock, and our bonding capability will now allow us to do that. In my opinion, it's long overdue."

Bonding is a way for the school system to borrow money and essentially turn them into a mortgage over a period of years. He said the current "new" middle school, as some still call it, that was built into ECHS is now 20 years old. With those bonds freed up, it gives the county the ability to move forward with a major construction project like this.

"To be fully transparent, once the new school is built, we will demolish the current Kyrock," he said. "All that area will be excavated and repurposed for recreational use. We're still looking at all those possibilities, but I'm really excited for the county and our school system for that."

Some features in the new Kyrock will be restrooms in each classroom, a gymnasium that will also serve as a state-approved tornado shelter with it's own power and water source, and a cafeteria that can also be used as an auxiliary gym. The second floor will feature classrooms for older kids with space that overlooks the cafeteria area. The location of the new school will be on the existing Kyrock property, to the north side of the current building.

Supt. Alexander said he has worked with Congressman Brett Guthrie, along with local utility companies to eventually bring sewer service all the way up to Kyrock.

Kyrock will be a grade K-6 facility, along with South Edmonson Elementary, for which expansion plans are also being made.

"Sort of like our current middle school, people still call South the "new school," and while it may be, compared to what we have, it was built in 2000. It's also in need of expansion," he said.

Those plans are to build new classrooms on the back of the building, directly behind the hallway that stems straight back from the entrance. In addition to the expansion, the HVAC and roof will be completely renovated.

"When South was built, is was done so for an easy expansion," Alexander said. "We can basically just take right off from the back of the building and everything should be integrate fairly easily."

With both Kyrock and SEES eventually becoming K-6 schools, that raises the question of what will happen with the current 5/6 Center, which was originally built in 1959 as the first consolidated Edmonson County High School.

"There's obviously a lot of history there," Alexander said. "The gym was built in 1968 and of course, our 1976 State Championship team and that generation created some wonderful memories. The gym and the cafeteria will remain, but the rest of the building has run its course and served its time, just like Kyrock, and the old Brownsville Elementary. It's to the point now where it's difficult to keep that building maintained."

Alexander said he is hoping for opportunities that would allow the county parks and rec program to be able to use the gym and cafeteria for youth program purposes.

"We've made some improvements to the gym and it still has plenty of life left. It would be great for future generations to continue using it. The property where the rest of the school is will be used in the future for other school system needs."

Superintendent of Edmonson County Schools Brian Alexander reads documents at his desk on June 12, 2024.

Local Superintendents Advisory Council (LSAC)

Not only will the new school projects remain on Alexander's plate for his next term, but he's also serving as an at-large member of Kentucky's LSAC.

According to KRS 156.007, the purpose of the council is to advise the chief state school officer and the KY Board of Education concerning the development of administrative regulations and education policy. The chief state school officer shall submit all proposed administrative regulations and educational policies for review by the council prior to seeking approval of the KY Board of Education.

The council is made up of 11 members, appointed by the Legislative Research Commission; 7 of which represent each of the state Supreme Court districts and 4 members that serve at-large.

"Our State Representative Michael Meredith contacted me and informed me of the opening and asked if I would be interested in serving," Alexander said. "I've always believed any opportunity I have to represent Edmonson County is a great opportunity. I talked to the local school board about it and they were in support of it."

He was informed just a couple weeks ago that his appointment had been confirmed.

"Hopefully, I'll meet and work with people about Edmonson County needs. I want to be an ambassador for our community and always do what's right for our school system and county. Things change fast and it's important for small communities like ours to have our voices heard, and I appreciate Michael thinking of me."

Update on Local Area Vocational Education Center (LAVEC) at ECHS

The new Local Area Vocational Education Center at Edmonson County High is nearing completion. Alexander took us on a quick tour today with construction superintendent Andrew Bolton with Alliance Corporation, who is overseeing the work.

Workers have opened the new portion to the existing high school in the hallway of what is know as the vocational wing of ECHS.

The project is still on schedule and will ready soon. A dedication ceremony is planned sometime this fall, Alexander said.