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Superintendent warns Estill County middle school needs long‑term solution, board continues funding push
Summary
Superintendent Brock told the Estill County Board the middle school remains monitored for structural cracks and was not included in House Bill 500, prompting continued outreach to state officials and work to secure funding for replacement or repairs.
During the superintendent’s report at the March 19 Estill County Board of Education meeting, Superintendent Brock updated the board on the district’s middle school, telling members the building continues to show interior cracking and that efforts to secure a state funding line have not yet succeeded.
Brock said the middle school “was not a line item in House Bill 500” and that he has been working with legislators and state officials in Frankfort to pursue funding. He noted staff and structural engineers continue to monitor sensors in the building and that, as of the meeting, the footings were not moving and the building remained safe for occupancy. Brock added, however, that some rooms are closed because of visible interior cracks and that the district has discussed the need to replace the building “before that day comes.”
Finance and facilities staff reported that the district’s KFIX ranking improved after updated DECCO reports, moving Estill County to 11th on the state list, which the superintendent said strengthens the district’s case for funding. Board members asked for reassurance that monitoring would continue and were told structural engineers and inspectors are engaged and that the district may do concrete work this summer to stabilize areas.
The superintendent framed the need as urgent over the long term: “It’s not a matter of if, it’s a matter of when,” he said, describing the potential need for a new building should the condition worsen. The board did not take a formal vote on capital action at the meeting but discussed ongoing advocacy in Frankfort and the need to identify backup plans for displaced students if a closure becomes necessary.
Next steps identified during the meeting included continued outreach to state lawmakers, monitoring by structural engineers and follow-up reports to the board. The superintendent said he would continue to press for funding and return with updates as legislative opportunities develop.
