LaRue County Schools asking for help to pay for $2 million upgrade to sports facilities

HODGENVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Fundraising efforts are under way to build a brand new multipurpose field and track for LaRue County High School.

The current grass field is overused and playing conditions are rough. The upkeep is also getting expensive. The track that surrounds the field is too small and the surface is so damaged the school can't host track meets.

Last year, the district hoped to solve some of its facilities issues by pushing for a nickel tax. The additional tax would've paid for a $40 million upgrade to the middle school and cleared up general funds that would've helped with athletics facilities upgrades.

The vote failed.

"I think then some people in the community who understand our need said, 'Well, we're just going to have to get this done another way,'" said Katy Cecil, a teacher and parent at LaRue County High School.

LaRue County's budget is tight, and there's no money for the $2 million facility upgrade to improve the football stadium and track.

However, after a $500,000 donation to the Community-Hawks Modernization Partnership (CHAMP), the district is only about $800,000 short. The district has decided to name the field Rock Field.

The project was kickstarted with a $150,000 donation by Brian and Denise Martin. The couple has lived in the community for 17 years.

Their donation was generous despite having no children to attend LaRue County Schools. However, they felt called to help after speaking with a close friend's daughter who attends LCHS.

"She was like, 'Yeah, there's concrete coming through and the rubber stuff is falling off and we can't have meets and we can't raise money.' And I'm like, that's crazy," Denise recalled.

Community donors and the district believes this project could prove what could change.

"I think we need to get this project done, and that will show this community that it can be done, and then maybe we'll be successful in the future in getting other things passed," Denise said.

Now David Dawson, the school's athletic director, is asking the community to pitch in.

"I don't particularly like asking people for money," Dawson said. But I see the need for this, and I see what it would be like to serve our student athletes going forward."

Plans call for the football stadium to feature a 1,500 sq. ft. concession stand and restroom. The grandstand home bleachers will have more than 1,300 seats with a chair back seating section for fundraising and a press box with a viewing deck above.

For information on how you can donate, visit larue.kyschools.us/champ.