New administrative changes are coming to Bath County Schools. Michael Melton, who at one time held various positions at the district, is returning as superintendent beginning July 1. Melton also previously served in Letcher and Elliott County Schools, and he is now finishing his tenure as superintendent of the Lewis County School District. As he continues his career close to home, Melton said he has a couple of clear priorities.
Renovations to Bath County Middle School have been on the minds of administrators for years. Melton said as far as facilities go, these improvements will continue to be a major focus.
“The middle school has been needing it for quite a while, another renovation in that building. It’s an older building, went into service, if I remember correctly, in 1939. It’s an older structure and just needs some modernization,” said Melton.
In the last year, school and county leaders have tried multiple times to instate a nickel tax county-wide to help pay for the construction of a new middle school building. These measures have failed, so the prospect of a new facility has been abandoned. Melton believes the district has the money necessary to renovate the current building.
Melton added his time at Lewis County has taught him many lessons he can bring to Bath County, like the need to increase training for teachers in the classroom.
“It’s very difficult in Kentucky now to find, or pretty much anywhere to find, qualified teachers or maintain every position that you post and get enough people to apply,” said Melton. “So, we’ve been working very, very, hard to try and work on just trying to provide the support and extra professional learning to make everyone the best they can be.”
Melton added he has many more visions for possible changes or improvements to the school system, but his biggest priority is to work alongside other district officials to find the best path forward. The enthusiasm of the students and surrounding community in Bath County, he said, motivates him to push for growth.