Hundreds Celebrate ATC Dedication

A huge crowd of dignitaries, staff, and community well-wishers gathered at the new Breathitt County Area Technology Center to officially dedicate the new $17 million facility.

“Thank you to everyone who made this day possible,’ Board Chair Ruschell Hamilton said.  “Your dedication, your belief in this project, and your hard work created something truly meaningful.”

The new center, which will house the vocational school and the technology, maintenance, and transportation departments for the Breathitt County schools, was a combined effort of the local school board and other state and local officials.

Event emcee Ruschell Hamilton discussed the evolution of the new center and praised the cooperation that made it happen.

“Through seven leaders, state management, school closures, and floods, we never lost sight of the need for this project,” Hamilton said.  “We persevered.”

Hamilton and Watts praised and recognized the effort of the Board of Education members, the district staff, the city, county, and state leaders.

The Breathitt Area Technology Center originally opened in 1962 on the campus of Breathitt County High School as the Breathitt-Sloniker Vocational School.  In 1968, it was renamed in honor of Carl D. Perkins, the long-time Congressman from Hindman.

The building was severely damaged and condemned following the 2021 and 2022 flooding.  Following the flood, the vocational school shared space with classes at the Lees College Campus of Hazard Community College.

“This new state-of-the-art facility gives us so many opportunities, Board Vice-Chairman Albert Little said.  “I hope our students take advantage of everything this place has to offer.”

The building was truly the result of the entire community's efforts.  School officials said the project could never have been completed without the “nickel tax” approved at the ballot box by Breathitt County voters.

“It opened the door for state funding,” State Representative Chris Fugate said.  He praised the Board's vision and its courage in taking action to make the new school a reality.  “The state is willing and able to help those who help themselves,” and help the state did.

The Kentucky General Assembly approved a budget measure that included millions to support the Breathitt County effort.

“That was the turning point,” Senator Brandon Smith told the large crowd gathered for the event.  “It was the most selfless vote that this board could have taken, and we are now seeing the results.”

Officials from Breathitt County Schools and Jackson City Schools joined Senator Smith and Representative Fugate in cutting the ribbon to open the school officially.

“This is a center for all of Breathitt County,” Superintendent Philip Watts said.

The Board recognized Facilities Director Will Noble for his effort in “wrangling contractors” and overseeing the remodeling of the building originally built in 1975-1976 to house the Prestolite Wiring Division of the ELTRA Corporation. 

Prestolite purchased eight acres in 1975 and constructed a 50,000-square-foot factory.  Numerous companies occupied the building, including Appalachian Regional Manufacturing, before the Breathitt County Fiscal Court sold it to the school system several years ago for the project.

Breathitt County’s own Sabrina Oaks served as the building’s chief architect and designer based on the needs and priorities identified by the Board and the Local Planning Committee.

“This is truly an investment in people,” Philip Watts said.

More than 200 people attended the Breathitt County School Board and officials' 56-minute program to dedicate the facility.  The group enjoyed several songs performed by the Breathitt High School band, under the direction of Bobby Shouse, and a prayer of blessing for the building from John Bunn before the official ceremony.

The Technology Center staff guided tours and answered questions about the remodeled and repurposed building following the ceremony.

Students were expected to fill the hallways on Wednesday, February 11, as Breathitt County students returned from a long weather break after an ice and snowstorm that closed school for more than a week.

The Breathitt Area Technology Center houses the Allied Health, Pharmacy, and Pre-Nursing programs, along with electrical and carpentry classes, and Automotive Maintenance and Light Repair.  The new facility also hosts the Business Education Center, which focuses on Administrative Support and E-Commerce.