Lincoln County students back in class after return to school delay

STANFORD, Ky. (FOX 56) — While some school districts in Kentucky are completing their first month of the 2025-2026 school year, Monday marks the start of a new chapter in Lincoln County after the start of the school year was delayed.

The delay stemmed from unexpected structural issues found during renovations at Lincoln County High School.

Construction crews stated that those issues required immediate attention to ensure the safety of students and staff.

Phase one of the project included new flooring, ceilings, and lighting in the hallways.

A new intercom system has also been installed, along with renovations to the gym and student bathrooms.

When it was announced that the start of the school year was going to be delayed, Superintendent Bruce Smith issued a statement in which he said in part, “We are very excited about the improvements being made for our students and staff and look forward to completing the project as soon as possible.”

Because the start of the school year was delayed, that pushed back the end of the school year as well to after Memorial Day on Wednesday, May 27, 2026.

The above construction projects were part of phase one of the renovations to the high school.

Phase two will include a new and improved entrance plaza for the high school, offering what’s being called a safer, more inviting entryway to the school.

The baseball and softball fields will receive turf infields, which are meant to improve both the playability and maintenance of the fields.

The baseball field will also have bathrooms added.

There’ll also be an addition to the football field house, which will create more room for weight training and academic opportunities.

In late August, the Lincoln County Board approved bids for phase two.

The project was made thanks to funding from the General Assembly; no word on when phase two will begin.