BARDSTOWN, Ky. — Bardstown City Schools (BCS) has been awarded $21,563,000 to support the ongoing renovation of its Fifth Street Campus, a multi-year project that will transform learning spaces for middle and high school students.

The funding comes from the School Facility Assistance Fund, which recently awarded over $130 million to 14 school districts across Kentucky. The money was made available through House Joint Resolution 32, which provides financial assistance to districts with critical building needs and limited local funding options. 

“This award will supply substantial construction funding assistance for our ongoing renovations at our Fifth Street Campus,” said Superintendent Dr. Ryan Clark. “The timing of our projects, our needs, and strongly advocating for assistance due to rising construction costs put us in a position to receive this incredible help. We’re incredibly grateful to Senator Jimmy Higdon and Representative Candy Massaroni for their support in helping secure these funds for our students and community.” 

Renderings of Bardstown City Schools’ future media center. The renovations are part of the district’s Fifth Street Renovation Project, which is expected to be completed by 2030. (Bardstown City Schools)

Renovations at the Fifth Street Campus began in June 2022 with the conversion of the former Bardstown Elementary School into a new career and technical education center, along with additional classroom space for middle and high school students. 

The remaining phases of the project are expected to be completed by 2030, including a new cafeteria, state-of-the-art media center, updates to interior classrooms, updates to science labs, a dedicated unified arts wing and outdoor green spaces for performances, instruction and student gatherings.

The funding BCS received is 50% of the gap between the cost of the project and the district’s available local resources. To qualify, projects must be a top priority on the district’s facilities plan, already underway or ready to begin construction, and located in districts that have passed a dedicated facilities tax but still lack the funding to cover full costs.