A week after conducting a major workshop walkthrough in the facility, Trigg County’s Board of Education took its first steps toward the possibility of major renovations to Wildcat Gymnasium Thursday night — unanimously approving the revision of a BG-1 originally targeting the middle school’s awning.
Looking to add more to this project, Superintendent Rex Booth said the district wants to add an elevator, new finishes and concession area casework to the community’s home not only of Trigg County High School Athletics, but also graduation and many other local events.
For years, public opinion has trickled in not only for the need of improved ADA compliance, but better bleachers, advanced railing for the stairs, and more.
Booth, and the board members, are listening.
Director of Operations Matt Ladd and Chief Financial Officer Holly Greene confirmed that due diligence could take some time, and following efforts from Sherman, Carter & Barnhart, the board should be prepared to review bids and pricing by May 2025.
If the costs are effective, remodeling could begin the following summer.
New gymnasium bathrooms, Booth added, would come from an alternate bid — one that is included in the revision., and Ladd further agreed.
Save for a few small cosmetic items, Trigg County’s main gym really hasn’t had any major upgrades implemented in the last three decades.
In other school board news:
— Trigg County’s fourth electric bus will arrive next week, per Booth and Lacey Schrock.
— In the school’s Code of Conduct, terroristic threatening is being moved from a “level 2-5” offense to a “level 4-5” offense, which Booth said created a stricter “no tolerance” policy on the behavior. It means students charged with this crime would likely move directly into team meetings, a transfer to Harbor Virtual Academy, or possible expulsion.
— Long-time board tenant Gayle Rufli attended her final meeting Thursday, before the transition begins to new board member and long-time local business woman Mindy Hargrove.
Board Chair Jo Alyce Harper offered her appreciation, particularly regarding Rufli’s gumption for research.
— Nominated by Horizon Youth Service Center Director Laura Shelton, beloved teacher Maureen Llarena was awarded the district’s “Will of the Wildcats” honor, one bestowed upon someone giving back to the district without asking for anything in return.
— Booth also confirmed that Trigg County’s student-teachers, most of them from Murray State University, have done extremely well in this semester’s practicum, and due to that success, seven student-teachers are latching on in the spring, including a school psychologist, something Booth noted was “rare” this day and age. Three graduates of Option 9, a popular transition model into teaching, will also be observed next spring.
— And already wrapped in plastic and ready to go, Booth said the unveiling of the Trigg County Special Olympics Flag Football championship sign will take place at 9 AM next Wednesday in front of the board office.
