LAUREL COUNTY, Ky. — The Laurel County Board of Education revealed the site of their new vocational-technical school to be located on 17.26 acres directly off East Fourth Street beside the Laurel County Fire Department.  The property will be purchased for $898,162 using district restricted funds and the measure was approved by the Kentucky Department of Education.

“We feel that it was extremely important to have this as centrally located as we could because, in theory, we will be hauling students from North and South for the next 30 years, and we don’t anticipate diesel fuel getting a whole lot cheaper,” said Charles “Bud” Stuber, board chairman.

The Kentucky Department of Transportation will widen the road at the school’s entrance and add a turning lane for safety.  The purchase of the property was made after weighing out two other pricey land options within the county, said District Business Manager Jim Kennedy.

A celebration of 15 graduating seniors commenced the board meeting’s agenda with 13 representing North Laurel High, and two representing South Laurel High and the McDaniel Learning Center.  

“I commend you for reaching this point. Many people would have found it easier to give up but you stuck to it. You’ve completed your requirements and you’ve earned your diploma tonight,” said David Cummins, South Laurel High principal.

Ronald “Sonny” Fentress has reached the end of his six-month term as interim superintendent, opening up a seat for the new Superintendent Doug Bennett to fill on July 1.

“We have thoroughly enjoyed your leadership, and I know you have helped us a great deal in a difficult time,” Stuber said.

“I appreciated the opportunity,” said Ronald “Sonny” Fentress. “You’ve got  a lot of good people working in this school system and lots of potential and we are going to see great things happen here.”

Also during the regular meeting, the board:

• Agreed to lift the hiring freeze for one district and North Laurel Middle in-school suspension teacher; one Wyan-Pine Grove Elementary teacher and Title 1 teacher; one Hunter Hills Elementary Functional Disability (FMD) teacher; one district job coach; one North Laurel High chemistry/physics teacher; and a home/hospital instructor for the district.

• Approved the Student Code of Conduct and Acceptable Behavior policy with a few minor changes.  The changes include the addition of synthetic counterparts to drug offenses, cell phone usage during class time, consequences and confiscation, the removal of doctor excuses, and bus behavior consequences broadened to help attendance.

• Approved the bid for school pictures by Forever Memories of Harlan County for North and South Laurel high schools.  

• Accepted the low bid for student accident insurance by Bob Roberts with parent option for voluntary insurance.

• Approved the salary schedule with the addition and changes of bass fishing and archery coaches, as well as a home hospital instructor.

• Adopted the Kentucky Office of Vocational Rehabilitation agreement; athletic trainer agreement with Ambulance Inc. of Laurel County; and a contract for Orientation and Mobility Services.

• Agreed to advertise for bids for a North Laurel Middle School’s addition/renovation construction manager.



mmccrarey@sentinel-echo.com