Hillary Wright-Kaufman
Feb 18 2026 12:00 PM

(SPRINGFIELD, Ky.) – Washington County Schools has taken the next step in increasing hands-on learning opportunities for students at Washington County High School. During the February Board of Education meeting on Monday, Feb. 17, the Board approved a construction bid from Hawk Construction in the amount of $212,826.65 (this includes the base bid, as well as a three-foot brick skirt, exhaust fan, and infrared heating) for a new 40-foot by 60-foot agricultural workshop facility. The project is supported in part by $100,000 in local funding from the Kentucky Agricultural Development Board, which in January awarded $1,595,287 for agricultural diversification and rural development projects across the Commonwealth. The Washington County High School agricultural workshop was among the selected initiatives. The remaining project costs will be funded locally by Washington County Schools, demonstrating the district’s commitment to investing community resources directly back into student opportunities and workforce preparation.

“I’m excited to continue expanding opportunities for our students at WCHS and within our agriculture program,” said Bart Mattingly, agriculture teacher at WCHS. “The ag shop will provide hands-on learning experiences many students are looking for, while also creating opportunities to assist local farmers with small agricultural repairs. This project represents a true collaboration between our Washington County agricultural community and our school district. We’re grateful for the support of the Washington County Ag Development Board, whose cost-share commitment helped make this possible. It’s a great example of our community investing in our students.”

“From a facilities standpoint, this workshop is designed to function like a real agricultural work environment,” said Assistant Superintendent Jason Simpson.  "Our goal is to ensure this project is completed responsibly and with the long-term value in mind. By pairing grant funding with local investment, we’re able to build a structure that is both cost-effective and built to serve our district for decades, designed to adapt as programs grow and evolve.  It's a great investment in both our infrastructure and our students."

 “As a rural school district where agriculture plays such a vital role in both our heritage and our local economy, this project is especially meaningful for our students and our community,” said WCS Superintendent Dr. Robin Cochran. “The new agricultural workshop will give our students hands-on access to the kinds of tools, equipment, and real-world learning experiences that directly connect to career opportunities right here in Washington County. As the facility is completed, it is also our desire to partner with local farmers, businesses, and community members to expand real-world project opportunities, whether that includes working on fertilizer buggies, wagons, or other agricultural equipment. Creating those partnerships will allow our students to gain authentic experience while also providing a valuable service locally. We are grateful to the Kentucky Agricultural Development Board for recognizing the value of agricultural education, and we are proud to match that investment with local district funds. This partnership between state support and local commitment ensures we are preparing our students not just for graduation, but for success in an industry that is foundational to our community.”