Henderson County board approves K–5 alternative learning center pilot at Lexington High campus

The Henderson County Board of Education approved a pilot K–5 alternative learning center on the Lexington High School campus for the remainder of the school year to provide a temporary placement for students with severe disruptive behavior or significant emotional and special-education needs.

Director of Schools Beauchamp told the board the district lacks a local option for students who cannot be served in a regular classroom and that incidents have increased since the COVID period. "So what I'm gonna ask the board for, because it needs board approval, establishing an alternate learning environment needs board approval where we pilot for the rest of this school year," Beauchamp said, describing the program as an incremental re‑entry option for students who need more individualized supports before returning to traditional classrooms.

Board members moved and seconded the request, and the chair announced the motion carried by voice vote. The director said the pilot would use existing facilities at Lexington High School and include students described as having severe disruptive behavior disorders, emotional disorders or other needs requiring a separate learning environment.

Supporters framed the pilot as a short-term, in‑district option to reduce classroom disruption and to provide focused interventions; Beauchamp noted staff at Southaven and other schools had studied the issue for months. The board did not record a roll-call tally in the public meeting transcript; the motion was approved by voice vote.

Next steps outlined by the director include implementing the pilot for the remainder of the current school year and coordinating staff and facilities on the Lexington campus. The board did not adopt program guidelines or a contract during the meeting; staff will return with implementation details as needed.