The Paducah Head Start Preschool has undergone a remarkable transformation, rising from the devastation of a hurricane to become a beacon of holistic education and community support. The journey, as recounted by Donald Shively, Superintendent of Paducah Public Schools, and Justin Holt, Structural Project Engineer, illustrates the power of resilience, innovation, and community collaboration.
From Disaster to Opportunity
The previous Head Start facility, originally built in 1928 and renovated in the 1980s, was severely damaged by a hurricane that swept through the Gulf in 2017-2018. “The old building had served as an elementary school and later an alternative school before becoming the Head Start Preschool,” Shively explains. “The hurricane gave us the opportunity to rebuild and reimagine the facility to better serve our community.”
With the help of a FEMA grant and federal Head Start funding, the district was able to construct a new, modern facility. The new building expanded the program from 282 half-day slots to 320 full-day slots for pre-kindergarten children. This increase in capacity and the shift to full-day programming were significant improvements, offering more comprehensive educational opportunities for young children in the area.
A Holistic Community Approach
One of the standout features of the new Head Start Preschool is its holistic approach to education and community service. “The biggest piece is how we continue to pursue a holistic community approach,” Shively emphasizes. “We serve students’ social and emotional needs, provide healthcare access, and support their families. We work with outside organizations to meet these needs, and there’s even a health clinic on-site that both children and parents can access.”
This integrated approach ensures that the needs of the whole child are met, creating a strong foundation for future success. “Kids that start kindergarten with pre-K education have a better chance for college,” Shively notes. “Providing a full-day Head Start for every child in poverty ages 3-4 is a game changer. It’s future changing. It unlocks potential, helps families build wealth, and creates productive members of society.”
Engineering Excellence and Local Expertise
Since 2008, BFW/Marcum have been the engineers of choice for Paducah Public Schools, overseeing more than $95 million in construction projects. Their involvement in the Head Start Preschool project was no exception. “BFW/Marcum helped navigate stormwater issues, designed permeable pavers, a safe bus drop-off area, and a retention pond,” Shively recounts. “They even solved a major issue with a missing piece of triptych switchgear, which is crucial for controlling electrical power distribution, working closely with city inspectors.”
Justin Holt, a Structural Project Engineer and Paducah Public Schools’ alumnus, shared his insights on the project’s technical aspects. “We had to get creative with our construction methods and materials due to various challenges,” Holt says. “By using precast concrete hollowcore planks, metal trusses, and a pre-engineered metal building, we were able to streamline the construction process and stay within budget. These choices allowed us to build a durable and functional facility that meets the needs of our community.”
The new facility not only houses preschool, childcare, and Head Start programs but also includes an indoor sports training facility for Paducah Tilghman High School. “It provided essential youth development opportunities for a school district that previously lacked the space and functionality for these programs,” Holt adds.
A Collaborative Effort
Holt highlights the advantages of having a local design team. “Our local office, exactly one mile from the job site, allowed our design team and Testing & Inspection (T&I) team to quickly address challenges during construction as they came up,” he says. “The fact that BFW/Marcum provided civil, structural, MEP, landscape architecture, geotechnical, survey, and T&I services all under the same roof enabled us to efficiently and effectively address challenges and provide solutions throughout the project.”
Reflecting on his role, Holt expresses a sense of fulfillment. “It was deeply satisfying to serve on the design team for this project as an alumnus of Paducah Public Schools and a Paducah Tilghman High School graduate,” he says.
Looking Ahead
The new Head Start preschool in Paducah stands as a testament to the power of community, resilience, and innovative design. With a focus on holistic education and community support, it is poised to make a lasting impact on the lives of young children and their families. As Superintendent Shively aptly puts it, “This project is a game changer. It’s about unlocking potential and creating a brighter future for our community.”
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