In 1961, Indian Hills School took its first shape in Hopkinsville — bringing the best out of young minds for the last six-plus decades.
Wednesday night alongside the South Western Kentucky Economic Development Council, the Christian County Chamber of Commerce, the newly-founded Christian County Public Schools Education Foundation and five partner industries — Ascend Elements, Huhtamaki, J-TEKT Column Systems, T-RAD North America and Siemer Milling Company — the heralded, historic property earned a new definition, and a new life, as the new home of the Dr. Martin Luther King Early Learning Center.
Tracy Pelletier, board member for the foundation, said the building will still fortify youths aged 0-to-5, while closing the gaps needed for daycare and preschool options in Christian County.
Superintendent Chris Bentzel lauded the efforts of all involved, especially behind the quick and efficient turnaround. He noted a few bathrooms need to be added, while there is some undeveloped space for growth and expansion of pre-K and Inspire options.
But between mid-May and Wednesday afternoon, the transition of Indian Hills to Koffman Drive — and this facility up and going — is complete.
And a vision of kindergarten preparedness is underway.
Part of a larger shuffle in the CCPS community footprint, Bentzel said this move is a big deal simultaneously:
*It provides child care to CCPS and industry partner employees, with a public option in full discussion and development;
*It alleviates the pressures of other child care options in, and near, Christian County, because “there aren’t enough;”
*It’s a retention and recruitment tool for CCPS and industry partners, who can offer current and future leaders a close-by, child-first option;
*And it’s best for kids in early learning.
In order to fully monitor MLK’s potential, realized growth and effectiveness, Bentzel said students coming from the facility into their respective elementary schools will have their Brigance screenings earmarked for tracking — just to see if there is improvement.
Currently, 40% of all students coming into CCPS kindergarten are deemed “ready” — which is dangerously low, considering close to 90% of a child’s brain power is developed before they are 5 years old.
On campus, there will be a school resource officer, a police officer, a nutrition-first cafeteria, mental, physical and behavior health options, and Bentzel added that a “Cub Cruiser” is going to be part of the Early Learning Center branding, which will be a bus traveling to other child care centers as part of outreach to the community.
Furthermore, Bentzel said Indian Hills will likely grow past its typical ranks of 550 or so students sooner rather than later, perhaps positively impacting more children, while MLK will have at least 350 youngsters by September 1.
Why is Indian Hills growing? Bentzel said: “Great leaders, great teachers, great branding.”
At the district’s next board meeting, August 15, Bentzel said the plan is to open preschool to all — a first for CCPS — using a sliding scale for tuition. At least 20 families have already requested entry into MLK since its transition.
