Boone County Schools approves purchase of former Kroger in Union, plans two-year conversion to early childhood center

The Boone County Board of Education on a 4–0 vote approved additional documentation to complete the district's purchase of 8775 US Highway 42 in Union, the former Kroger building, and heard staff detail a temporary capacity cap in the district facilities plan and a two-year construction timeline.

Superintendent Dr. Hauswald recommended approval of the additional documents related to the purchase, describing the action as the final step to buy the building. "This is the final agreement to purchase the building," he said. The board approved the motion 4-0.

Why it matters: board members said the acquisition advances the district's long-standing goal to expand early childhood services. Board member comments framed the purchase as part of a local commitment to early childhood education and noted the facility will host multiple services beyond classrooms.

Details and timeline: staff said the district facilities plan (DFP) currently lists a capacity of 300 students for the site. That number is a placeholder tied to the current DFP; staff said once the next DFP is approved the district will amend it to reflect a planned maximum of about 520 students. According to district remarks, the 300-student number is temporary and required because the current DFP still lists the smaller capacity.

District staff told the board there is a two-year construction timeline. "I've been promised that it will be operational for the 2027–28 school year," a staff member said, while cautioning the site will not be ready immediately and that construction and fit-out work remains. The superintendent and other board members said the acquisition process has taken about 12 months.

Funding, price and remaining steps: the board did not specify the purchase price or detailed funding sources during public remarks; those details were not specified in the meeting record. Board members thanked City of Union officials and Kroger for cooperation during negotiations.

Community impact and partners: the district and board described the site as part of an expanded early childhood strategy that will involve local private and public early childhood providers and other district services. Board members emphasized local investment in early childhood as a priority and framed the facility as serving multiple early-childhood programs.

Next steps: staff said the district will pursue the DFP amendment to increase the listed capacity and proceed through the construction timeline. No additional votes on the purchase were recorded during the meeting.

Ending: The motion to approve the additional documents passed 4-0, and board members used the final remarks to thank staff, the city and Kroger for their roles in the transaction.