The Dawson Springs School Board moved forward with the saferoom construction project this week and recognized Superintendent Leonard Whalen with high marks during his annual evaluation.
During new business, Superintendent Whalen presented the architect’s plans for the storm shelter, noting it will cover about 6,000 square feet—the space required for 1,000 people.
click to download audioWhalen expressed some budget concerns, saying the project was budgeted at $2 million, but the architect expects costs could reach $3.5 to $4 million—almost double the original estimate.
Whalen said he reached out to Kentucky Emergency Management in Frankfort, which handles the budget before sending it to FEMA, to ask what would happen if costs come in at $3.5 million but the state only budgeted $2 million. He was told the project would be “put on the back burner” until more funding is secured to cover the difference.
click to download audioHe said that after submitting the plans to FEMA, the review process will likely take six to eight months, and the project can proceed once feedback is received.
The board unanimously approved the Statement of Responsibility and final saferoom plans to submit to FEMA for the project.
At Monday’s meeting, the board also entered into a closed session to discuss the superintendent’s evaluation. After returning into open session, Board Chair Vicki Allen announced that Whalen received an exemplary rating in his annual review.
click to download audioShe added that, despite the many challenges the district has faced in recent years, the schools have continued to make progress.
click to download audioWhalen thanked the board, saying he is honored to serve as superintendent and looks forward to wrapping up the 2024-2025 school year and getting ready for the 2025-2026 school year.
