WHITLEY COUNTY — During Thursday’s regular board meeting, the Whitley County School Board heard from Boom Kentucky State Representative Kyle Wilson.
Boom KY is an economic development program started by Wilson and his partners to help establish start-up businesses in Kentucky, primarily among young people.
Wilson says he has helped 85 startups sell their products. Start-ups include companies that sell clothing, food, and other goods. Some places also sell services such as car detailing.
Mr. Wilson was speaking with the Whitley County School Board to propose an agreement that would allow the school board to partner with Boom KY to provide entrepreneurial opportunities for Whitley County students.
So far, Boom KY is partnering with the Whitley County Fiscal Court to build a “hub” in the old Whitley County Post Office building in downtown Williamsburg.
“We want to create new opportunities for young people… It won’t happen overnight, but it will come… We’re going to lead and lead (young people) to success,” Wilson said. .
Superintendent John Siler agreed with Wilson, saying, “We want to give our students the opportunity to succeed here…We want all of our students to stay here and help our city grow.” I hope to have the opportunity to contribute.”
Wilson told the board that the company has already moved from Lexington to Williamsburg and is focused on the process of building a hub in Whitley County.
Wilson expects it will take two years to get everything up and running.
No formal action was taken at the meeting. However, Wilson promised to send a copy of the agreement to the board so board attorney Tim Crawford can review it before a decision is made.
In addition, the Whitley County Board of Education also approved the release of funds for three major projects.
The board released $113,008.91 in final payment for improvements to the Whitley County Middle School track.
The board issued $130,106.33 for improvements to the Whitley County High School athletic fields.
Finally, the board released $46,753.33 in additional materials and labor payments after deciding to relocate an additional section of Whitley East Elementary School beyond the previous plan.
