PAINTSVILLE, Ky. (WSAZ) - A groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for next Wednesday on a new school building.

The new Johnson Central High School and CTE facility are set to be constructed in Paintsville.

The current high school opened 56 years ago.

Superintendent Thom Cochran said the current school was designed for 715 students, and they’re now up to more than 900.

The state will be providing $39 million for the nearly $100 million project.

The new school is expected to open in the fall of 2028.

Cochran said the new facility will be better equipped to prepare students for the workforce.

“Our nursing students for examples will have labs set up just like emergency rooms and hospitals so they can get on-the-job training,” he said. “Our goal is to prepare students for life beyond high

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