DAVIESS CO., Ky. (WFIE) – Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce officials held a groundbreaking ceremony Tuesday for the new location of Highland Elementary School.
As we previously reported, school board members approved the construction of a new location for the school back in August of 2025.
The ceremony took place at 10 a.m. on Tuesday.
The school is being built behind Davis County Middle School.
School board members, including board chair Tom Payne, approved the construction of a new location in August 2025.
“Four years ago, we stood here in this same spot to welcome a brand-new Davis County middle school. We’re proud today to be standing here for another beautiful school that will last for many many years,” Payne said.
Construction is expected to be completed in 16 months.
“To me it starts right today, we expect the dirt movers to be here immediately, you know were looking at sixteen months,” Payne said.
Payne has grandchildren who attend the school.
“We’ve been a part of this community for many many years … we know that is going to continue because that’s the spirit and the essence of Highland Elementary,” Payne said.
The current elementary school has about 535 students all on one floor.
The new school will have room for 600 students across two stories, along with a slide for students to go down when they meet incentives and goals.
“It’s gonna be state of the art, so all of the technology, the rooms will be very conducive to learning, hands on activities, we have a lot of community spaces in this new school, where our kids can come together to celebrate our growth,” said Beth Hutchinson, Highland Elementary School principal.
Hutchinson said she attended Highland when she was a child and is excited to welcome in the next generation to Highland.
By Madelyn Hanes and Aaron Weeks 14 News