Muhlenberg County school board approves $8 million construction estimate, caps Parks utilities at $110,000
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Summary
At its monthly meeting the Muhlenberg County Board of Education approved construction documents and bidding steps for a district facility estimated at $8 million, amended a utilities agreement with Parks and Recreation to cap annual utilities at $110,000, and named members of a superintendent search committee.
The Muhlenberg County Board of Education on Wednesday approved a series of items meant to advance a planned district construction project, agreed to an amendment capping utilities payments to the county Parks and Recreation system, and appointed members to a superintendent search committee.
The board voted to accept an updated BG‑1 — a project estimate — and to move forward with BG‑3 cost breakdowns, approval of construction documents, and authorization to advertise the project for bids. Ross Turner, who summarized the construction schedule for the board, said the district is "still estimating, projecting a construction cost of $8,000,000." The motions to approve those items passed by voice vote with no recorded opposition.
The superintendent reported that the project team is coordinating with the Kentucky Department of Education, that a formal BG‑1 had not yet been filed with KDE, and that staff expect additional budget detail and soft costs to follow as the design and funding categories are finalized.
On a separate motion the board approved an amendment to the maintenance, tasks and utilities agreement with the Greater Muhlenberg Parks and Recreation System. The amendment, which updates an original agreement dated Nov. 12, 2012, removes mowing responsibilities, adds a termination‑for‑cause clause and specifies that schools receive first access to facilities "whenever possible." The superintendent said the agreement now includes "a cap to utilities, to be the cap of $110,000 annually." Board members said the Martin Foundation and Parks officials had been consulted during development of the amendment. The motion passed by voice vote with no opposition.
Finance and operational items approved earlier in the meeting included acceptance of the treasurer's report and authorization to pay monthly bills and salaries. Treasurer Browning told the board the district's bank balance at month end was approximately $28,348,000 and that the bills presented totaled about $2,855,000; both motions were approved by voice vote.
The board also confirmed the membership of a superintendent search committee chosen according to board bylaws: teachers Quentin Owens and Josh Stewart; board representative Logan Porter; administrator Scott Blake; parent Lindsey Kaysinger; and classified employee Jarrett Moore. The nomination and vote to approve the committee passed with no opposition.
An attendance and enrollment report presented later in the meeting showed district attendance at 94.6% for the reporting month and total enrollment of 4,061 students. Board members received a series of school presentations and recognitions including student accomplishments at the state Beta convention and CTE program updates.
All board votes noted in the meeting were recorded as voice votes with members saying "aye" and no oppositions heard. The board adjourned at the close of the agenda.
