Board hears legislative update; state funding approved for Campbell County High School replacement and facility projects

Associate Superintendent Dave Bartlett told the board the 2025 legislative session included several bills that affect district operations and facilities, and he highlighted funding made available for a Campbell County High School (CCHS) replacement project.

Bartlett said the legislature approved a funding package that includes $20 million for phase 1 of a Campbell County High School replacement, covering site work and stadium demolition, and that the bill provides additional phase 2 and 3 funding to be available March 15, 2026. He called the bill a major step toward a multi‑phase replacement project and thanked legislators, community members and students who advocated for the appropriation.

Bartlett also briefed trustees on several other bills and rule changes discussed during the session. He described a measure that changes rules for alternative school calendars (which affects how four‑day schedules are approved), a provision extending temporary increases in allowable cash reserves for districts, and recent legislation concerning restroom and changing facilities in public schools that requires districts to adopt policies addressing use of multiple‑occupancy restrooms and reasonable accommodations. Bartlett said the rule on restrooms is effective immediately and that the district will prepare policy language for board consideration.

On school safety, Bartlett noted a bill that changes the state’s approach to gun‑free zones in schools; the law clarifies that students are prohibited from carrying firearms in K‑12 settings and gives districts authority to regulate concealed carry by employees and volunteers, including training requirements; Bartlett said the board will need to review and, if it chooses, revise district policy before the law’s effective date.

Facilities staff gave progress reports on district capital projects. Highlights included: - Aquatic Center: deep end structural work and movable floor installation are underway; staff expect substantial completion in late July or early August so the facility can be staffed for fall programs. - Little Powder: exterior sheathing and interior framing are progressing, and the contractor expects the building to be ready for a January 2026 move‑in. - Wright Junior‑Senior High: synthetic turf design has been finalized and on‑site work will start after the school year; the district expects completion before students return in fall 2025. - Transportation facility: schematic designs (10%) have been received and district staff are reviewing cost estimates. - Campbell County High School replacement: the district selected Plan One and DLR as the design team after a competitive process; Bartlett outlined a phased schedule that would allow stadium work first, with site work starting in early 2026 and building construction to follow pending design development and state process steps.

The board approved the district’s 2025–26 capital projects list at the meeting.

Closing: Trustees asked for follow‑up policy language on restroom use and for a timeline and public engagement plan for the CCHS replacement project; administrators committed to returning drafts and schedules to the board for review.