Estill County board hears 50% design update for new middle school; funding, safety remain central

Design partners showed the Estill County Board of Education a 50% design development package for the proposed Estill County Middle School and Superintendent Mr. Brock said state funding remains unresolved, which has prevented full site work from starting. The design team said the layout has matured since earlier drafts and emphasized changes to the main entry, administration placement and expanded cafeteria and gym areas.

The design presentation began with Wayne Roberts of DECO, who told the board the package is at “what we call 50% DD, 50% design development,” and walked trustees through a video fly-through and updated renderings. Roberts said the design team rearranged the administration, entry and band spaces to improve functionality and described a central “hub” that places administration at the building’s heart. “This is our heartbeat,” Roberts said of the hub and media space.

Superintendent Mr. Brock provided financial and safety context. He said the district has received $5,000,000 so far and has continued to spend those funds on design, site…