School Board approves easement for U.S. 60 widening

Lauren Proctor has been selected as ninth chair for the Kentucky Music Educator’s Association All-State Band. Director Zach Buskill said Proctor is only the third Hancock County High School student selected for All-State in 52 years. Proctor was recognized by the School Board Thursday with a plaque and a portrait which will hang in the hallway near the bandroom. Pictured are Superintendent Robert Asberry, Lauren Proctor and Director Zach Buskill.

The Hancock County School Board has approved a temporary easement on its Central Office property located at 83 State Route 3543 for the planned widening of U.S. 60 West. The property is fronted by the U.S. highway.

The project – first added to the state’s Six-Year Road Plan in 2012 – will widen the westbound lanes of the busy highway from mile point 1.933 to mile point 8.2. According to the plan, right-of-way acquisition and utility relocation is to take place this year, with construction to begin in 2024.

Total cost of the project is budgeted at $7.14 million. For reference, the widening will extend from Kentucky 1957 to .2 mile west of Kentucky 6106. Another funding project will address the condition of the Portland cement concrete pavement on the highway from mile point 1.933 to mile point 9.4, at a cost of $5.775 million.

The Clarion has been in contact with Highway District 2 Office of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet for a future meeting to discuss the scope of the project and construction timelines.

In other business, the School Board:

• Heard the Treasurer’s Report, with a beginning balance of $7.14 million. There were $644,000 in receipts, with $1.107 in expenditures. The closing balance was $6.83 million.
• Set graduation date at Hancock County High School for 6 p.m. on May 26. As well, the last day for students was set for May 26.
• Approved the purchase of a special needs bus in the Transportation Department.
• Approved a high school special education teacher for 2022-2023, funded by an Additional Targeted Support and Improvement grant.
• Approved the 2022-2023 District Evaluation Plans. Robin Poynter, assistant superintendent of instruction and assessment, said work has been done to digitize the evaluation process, along with aligning job descriptions with evaluation benchmarks and professional growth plans.
•  Recognized Lauren Proctor for her selection as ninth chair for Kentucky All-State Band. Director Zach Buskill said Proctor is only the third student in 52 years to be selected All-State. Proctor was presented with a plaque, as well as a portrait which will be displayed permanently along the hallway near the bandroom.

By C. Josh Givens