School Board receives updates, approves preschool policies

The Christian County School Board received a recap on the start of the school year and approved revised preschool policies at their meeting on Thursday.

Superintendent Chris Bentzel says their first eight days of school have been successful and their current enrollment is between 7,900 and 8,000 students. Bentzel also says operations at the transitioned campuses, Martin Luther King Jr. Early Learning Center, Hopkinsville Middle School and Indian Hills Elementary School, are running smoothly and thanked those who worked throughout the summer to make the transitions happen.

On the first day of school Hopkinsville Middle School had some traffic issues during student drop off, but Bentzel says they have been resolved.

The 2024-25 school year got underway on August 26, two weeks later than normal. Bentzel thanked the board for approving the late start saying it went well and might make a comeback next school year.

On August 27, members of Christian County Public Schools Education Foundation and the school system cut the ribbon on the Teacher Corner. The corner is located behind MLK Early Learning Center and houses free classroom supplies for teachers.

Bentzel commended Communications Director, Johnna Brown and Teacher Recruiter Beverly Fort for coming up with the idea and turning the corner into a reality.

Turning toward revised preschool policies, the board approved for preschool students who are not eligible for tuition assistance or have any learning disabilities to be admitted on a first-come first-serve basis once their tuition agreement is completed. The board also approved that preschool will be available for all at-risk 4-year-olds and 3-year-olds with disabilities in the district.