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Governor Steve Beshear's Communications Office
Governor Beshear Signs Legislation to Allow Construction of Much-Needed Lyon County Middle School
EDDYVILLE, Ky.– Gov. Steve Beshear today joined state and county officials to ceremonially sign House Bill 428, legislation that allows for state funding to be used to build a new, much-needed Lyon County Middle School to replace the current unsafe structure.
The Lyon County School District opened their most recently built middle school in 2003, but soon afterward discovered critical problems with the concrete used during construction. Officials found the school’s foundation had sizable cracks, which affected the structural integrity of the entire building, causing the school to be ruled uninhabitable by the state commissioner of education.
“All Kentucky children should be guaranteed a safe and secure learning environment,” said Gov. Beshear. “Today I am pleased to sign House Bill 428 to help expedite the process of building a new, safe school for many generations of Lyon County children.”
House Bill 428 directs that state funds be used to retire the unpaid debt or provide debt service payments to the Lyon County School District to build and replace the existing middle school. The district is currently involved in ongoing litigation with the company responsible for supplying the faulty concrete that was used to build the current school. Possible monetary awards received by the district as a result of this lawsuit will go toward reimbursing the state for this funding.
“This bill will allow Lyon County schools to build a school where the children of Lyon County can learn in a safe and productive environment,” said Rep. Will Coursey. “I am proud to be the sponsor of House Bill 428 and thankful the other members of the General Assembly understood the need for the legislation and passed the bill. I also appreciate Governor Beshear for coming to Lyon County to sign this important piece of legislation.”
“We are so excited to have Governor Beshear in our school district for the ceremonial signing of HB 428,” said Lyon County School Superintendent Quin Sutton. “On May 10, 2010, the Lyon County Board of Education met in special session and voted to close Lyon County Middle School because of safety concerns for the students and staff based upon recommendations from the architect and engineer that designed and built the middle school. It has been one year and one day since that gloomy day. Yet, here we are one year later with great news that the students of Lyon County Middle School can expect a new building they deserve. What a difference a year can make!”
“Physical environment plays a key role in children’s educational success,” said Department of Education Commissioner Terry Holliday. “All students are entitled to learn in buildings that are safe and structurally sound, and this bill provides the means by which Lyon County school officials can ensure the best possible environment for these students.”
To read HB 248 in its entirety visit http://www.lrc.ky.gov/record/11RS/HB428.htm.
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