Hardin County Schools celebrated the start of a new chapter Thursday.
West Hardin Middle School students were the first to break ground on the new West Hardin building, to be located behind Cecilia Elementary School. The students were joined by the Hardin County Board of Education, school administrators, community and business members, and current and former West Hardin students and staff.
West Hardin Principal Christin Swords said West Hardin has served the district as an elementary, middle, and high school, and community support has maintained the school’s legacy.
“It is not just a building that makes us West Hardin,” Swords said. “It is definitely the people within that building, and we are so grateful that our board members and Superintendent Morgan and our community have this vision to continue West Hardin’s future and add to that next chapter.”
Swords said some of the current students may not attend classes in the new building, but they are excited to be part of the process.
“They keep asking questions, and they’re looking forward to seeing the next step, so we’re excited about including them in this project, not just today but in the building process, and what we can learn from that as well in terms of vision and perseverance through a project, and the commitment that we’re making,” Swords said.
The new West Hardin Middle School, designed by JRA Architects and built by Wehr Construction Inc., is due to open for students in 2026.
