Education officials in Lawrence County are looking for support for several school improvement projects.
The school system's priority is wrapping up a decade long effort to replace Louisa West Elementary. The building was constructed 70 years ago.
Lawrence County Superintendent Robbie Fletcher said they couldn’t have foreseen the eventual needs the school would have.
“It wasn’t prepared for the wiring that’s required to have internet. It wasn’t prepared for the electrical of having smart TVs. It wasn’t prepared for having those interactive projectors. It wasn’t prepared for the electrical load; it wasn’t wired for that,” said Fletcher.
Fletcher added that a new facility would allow teachers to diversify student instruction.
Replacing the structure comes with a $27 million price tag. Officials hope the community will accept a two-nickel property tax to raise the money.
Superintendent Fletcher said Lawrence County has the lowest property tax rate in the 15th region.
“Our board over the years has tried their best to keep our tax rate low in order to prepare for this time. So even if we do the double nickel, we’re going to still be one of the lower taxing school districts in the 15th region, if not one of the lower ones in the state,” said Fletcher.
Fletcher said a nickel tax to complete this project years ago was struck down through a community petition and a vote.
The school leader said the proposed improvements will better serve students in the county. The list of changes also includes additional safety measures and upgrades to athletic facilities.
The plans must first be approved by the school board and the Kentucky Department of Education before the issue of a nickel tax can be sorted through.
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