Paces Creek Elementary Renovation Project Moves Forward as Part of Historic School Investment

MANCHESTER — More than $60 million has been invested in construction and renovation projects throughout the Clay County School District over the past decade, marking the most significant period of facility improvements in the history of the school system. The next major project is now officially underway as plans begin to take shape for the renovation and expansion of Paces Creek Elementary School.

Clay County Superintendent William Sexton, Paces Creek Elementary Principal Aaron Asher, and Maintenance Supervisor Dale Downey recently met with representatives from Trace Creek Construction and the architectural firm Tate Hill Jacobs to review preliminary plans for the project.

The renovation will be funded in part through a $5.5 million state allocation secured by Kentucky Senate President Robert Stivers, with additional funding to be provided through school district bonding. Current estimates place the total project cost between $10 million and $15 million, although a more precise figure will be determined as the design process moves forward.

According to the project timeline, schematic designs are expected to receive approval in early July. Design development will then begin and is scheduled for completion by October. Construction documents are expected to be finalized in February 2027 before being submitted to the Kentucky Department of Education for approval in March.

Following state approval, the project will be advertised for bids, with construction expected to begin in April 2027 and continue through August 2028.

For Principal Aaron Asher, the project represents an exciting opportunity to meet the growing needs of one of the district's fastest-growing schools.

“This is an exciting time for Paces Creek Elementary,” Asher said. “We have seen steady growth in enrollment over the last several years, and this project will help ensure we can continue providing our students with the best possible learning environment. The renovation and expansion will allow us to better serve our current students while preparing for future growth.”

School officials noted that increasing enrollment at Paces Creek has created a need for additional space and updated facilities. The planned renovations will modernize portions of the school while providing room to accommodate future student growth.

Superintendent William Sexton said the project reflects the district's commitment to investing in students and creating learning environments that support academic success.

“Over the last 10 years, the Clay County Board of Education has made an unprecedented commitment to improving our facilities,” Sexton said. “From new construction projects to major renovations, we have invested in our schools because our students and employees deserve the very best. The Paces Creek project is another important step forward, and we appreciate Senate President Robert Stivers for helping secure the state funding that made this project possible.”

The Paces Creek renovation joins a long list of facility improvements completed throughout the district in recent years, including school renovations, athletic facility upgrades, the Clay County Technology Center, Legends Hall, and numerous infrastructure improvements.

When completed, the Paces Creek project will represent another milestone in what has become the most ambitious building and renovation effort ever undertaken by the Clay County School District.