CITIZEN STAFF REPORT

FRANKFORT — The state budget that was delivered to Gov. Andy Beshear last week allocates $17,475,000 to the Martin County School District for renovations and improvements at Inez Elementary School.

Inez Elementary was one of 12 school projects included.

Martin County Schools Superintendent Larry James said the money would go a long way toward renovating, updating and expanding the existing structure with primary focus on plumbing, electrical, HVAC and roof upgrades.

“I need to get an evaluation of the building,” James said. “The plumbing is very old and we are starting to have problems with it rusting through. Wiring was completed in the ‘80s.”

James said the money was earmarked for Inez Elementary rather than Warfield Elementary due to the facility’s age.

“We don’t have any part in these decisions or how the funding is allocated,” he said. “All of that is done on the state and federal levels. But based on the age of the school, Warfield Elementary, hopefully, will be next.”