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Union County High School is set to undergo significant renovations and new construction aimed at enhancing career and technical education, athletic conditioning, and extracurricular activities. The Union County Board of Education approved bids and purchase orders for the project in a special meeting last Friday.
The renovation will be funded by an $8.5 million grant from the Kentucky General Assembly, allocated to Union County Public Schools in 2022. This grant supports the renovation of the locally-operated vocational center. The school system has been planning this project for several years with input from various stakeholders including teachers, coaches, community leaders, architects, engineers, and construction managers.
Superintendent Dr. Terra Hancock remarked on the extensive preparation involved: “After two and a half years of dedicated working sessions, board meetings, and countless hours of planning and designing, this vision has transformed into something that all of Union County can truly be proud of.” With the Board's approval, contractors can now begin purchasing materials for construction.
Originally built in 1963, the Union County Vocational School will see major updates across its facilities. New classroom and lab spaces will support five CTE program areas: agriculture, business, computer science, engineering, and health science. Additionally, plans include a new storage building, greenhouse, and outdoor workspace for student agriculture projects.
Dr. Hancock emphasized the project's importance: “Renovating our vocational school is a vital step in building upon our workforce development successes,” she said. “This renovation will provide students with greater access to hands-on vocational experiences.”
The existing facility currently accommodates non-CTE programs such as wrestling practice areas and weight rooms due to space constraints. To optimize grant funding specifically designated for Local Area Vocational Education Centers' renovations, new spaces must be created for these programs.
A multipurpose building is planned near the high school's football practice field to address these needs. The 29,000 square-foot facility will house wrestling training areas alongside a weight room and an open fieldhouse area suitable for multiple uses by student groups.
This expansion aims to alleviate scheduling conflicts over gym space while providing alternative training sites during adverse weather conditions. It also offers potential revenue opportunities through hosting tournaments and events.
Additionally, two tennis courts will be constructed next to the fieldhouse enabling on-campus practices for UCHS's tennis team for the first time.
To meet maintenance requirements efficiently within district properties—a new maintenance shop measuring 4k sq ft—is slated near existing bus garages—serving as both work/storage area & intake center facilitating large deliveries—all contributing towards ensuring safe/well-maintained learning environments throughout district premises
The comprehensive project encompassing vocational center renovations along with newly constructed multipurpose buildings/tennis courts/maintenance shops—is expected completion timeline spanning approximately twenty-one months—conducted via phased approach
Total estimated cost stands around $19M—with nearly half covered through vocational grants/interests earned—remainder financed via bonds—as confirmed by district’s fiscal agent—cost remains manageable within Board’s bonding capacity allowing funds allocation toward other facilities if needed
Dr.Hancock expressed gratitude stating:“We are thrilled seeing this project become reality benefiting students/staff/community!” She added:“Project signifies bright future creating opportunities generations ahead!”
