Paintsville High School Joins University of Kentucky Scholar Network

News Summary

Paintsville High School has been welcomed as the newest member of the University of Kentucky’s Next Generation Scholar Network, allowing students to earn college credits while completing their high school education. This partnership, starting in the 2025-26 school year, aims to provide extensive educational opportunities, including specialized options and dual-credit programs. PHS will also maintain its collaboration with Big Sandy Community and Technical College to ensure accessibility to postsecondary education despite ongoing concerns about student safety.

Paintsville, Kentucky – Paintsville High School (PHS) has been officially welcomed as the newest member of the University of Kentucky (UK) Next Generation Scholar Network. This significant development will enable PHS students to enroll in up to 30 hours of college-level coursework through UK while still completing their high school education, starting in the 2025-26 school year.

The partnership aims to provide extensive educational opportunities for students, allowing them to gain valuable credits that count toward both their high school diploma and a college degree. The Paintsville School District believes this initiative will serve as a crucial stepping stone towards higher education for its students, equipping them with the necessary tools for academic success.

PHS Superintendent Bryan Auxier expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration with the University of Kentucky, highlighting the potential for more specialized educational options available to students. Instructional supervisor Nicki Caudill remarked that this partnership is a “game-changer,” offering students the chance to get a jumpstart on their college education while also saving time and tuition money.

As part of the program, PHS Principal Chester McCoy announced that the school will offer a tailored dual-credit program. This initiative will focus on individualized student support, allowing for better planning when it comes to choosing college majors. PHS will incorporate one-on-one scheduling sessions with students to help them identify and select relevant dual-credit classes that align with their future academic goals.

The Next Generation Scholar Program also emphasizes the professional development of teachers. Educators at PHS will collaborate with UK professors to enhance their teaching practices and provide the best possible education to their students.

Students at PHS will have direct access to UK professors, enabling them to earn college credits while still in high school. This dual enrollment approach not only enriches the learning experience but also prepares students for the challenges of college-level coursework.

In parallel, PHS will maintain its existing partnership with Big Sandy Community and Technical College to ensure all students can pursue postsecondary accomplishments. The dual-credit courses will be offered at a reduced tuition rate, and students may also qualify for scholarships for a select number of courses, making higher education more accessible.

Paintsville High School is a participant in the Next Generation Scholars Dual Credit Network, designed to provide access to robust resources from the UK Center for Next Generation Leadership. This center has had a longstanding relationship with Kentucky’s public schools, working to enhance educational quality and student success for over a decade.

Recent Developments at Paintsville High School

In addition to the academic advancements, Paintsville High School recently upgraded its basketball gym after 50 years. The gym now features newly installed Robbins MVP flooring, known for its safety standards and durability. This high-quality flooring has been adopted by 28 out of 32 NBA teams, emphasizing its reliability for student-athletes. The updated gym floor will make its debut during the upcoming volleyball match against Pike County Central.

Concerns Regarding Student Safety

Despite these positive developments, Paintsville High School is facing challenges related to student safety. A federal lawsuit has been filed by the parents of a PHS student named RJ, who allegedly experienced severe bullying and was assaulted on school grounds. The lawsuit claims that school officials failed to take appropriate action in response to RJ’s reports of repeated bullying incidents, which included racial slurs and violent threats. This troubling situation, highlighted in the legal documents, has led RJ’s family to relocate to Georgetown, citing ongoing issues at Paintsville High School.

The lawsuit outlines that the bullying culminated in a physical attack that resulted in substantial injuries, along with long-lasting psychological trauma for the student. The circumstances surrounding RJ’s experience have sparked discussions about the need for improved school safety measures and the responsibilities of educational institutions to protect their students.

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Additional Resources

• Paintsville Herald
• Wikipedia: Paintsville
• WYMT
• Google Search: Paintsville High School renovations
• Kentucky Rivals
• Google Scholar: Paintsville High School
• Kentucky.com
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Paintsville, Kentucky
• Lane Report
• Google News: Paintsville school funding