CHAMPION — The Trumbull Career and Technical Center board approved an agreement with Morton Buildings Inc. for $2 million for a planned equestrian barn facility project on the center grounds.

Superintendent Jason Gray said at this week’s meeting now that the restaurant and culinary arts program remodeling project is completed, plans are to proceed with the new equine barn.

He said the equine facility is expected to be completed by fall 2024.

Gray said the new facility will include areas for the horses, training and riding rings, classrooms and restrooms. He said the equine program instructor and students must now leave the main classroom building and walk to the barn, where they take care of horses and other animals. He said there is no heat in the barn and no classroom space. There also is an indoor riding arena and an outdoor arena.

Gray said officials would like to see a new barn with heated stalls, restrooms, a classroom area and running water.

“We are looking out for the program because it is always filled to capacity,” he said. “It is time to bring that building into the 21st century.”

The current barn was built in the 1980s.

The board previously approved PSA Architecture as the criteria architect for the new equestrian facility at $28,100. PSA Architecture also was approved as observation / project administrator at $6,500.

Officials said the current barn will be used for equipment storage after the new building is completed. The new barn would be in the area where the outdoor riding arena is now and connect to the current barn.

“It will be right next to the other barn, and we’ll be able to connect the two buildings, with the horses able to be brought through,” Gray said.

Treasurer Cody Holecko said the project might be completely covered by state funds as part of career tech funding in the state budget bill.

In other business, Gray said he has been in contact with the Ohio School Safety Mobile Training Unit that did a free vulnerability assessment of the school and property. He said the review showed what the center does well to protect students and staff from an active shooter situation and where improvements can be made.

Gray said as part of the training, an active shooter simulation was held with staff. The district also has worked with Champion police and fire on safety enhancements at the campus.

The board also approved establishing a drone racing league in connection with the Trumbull County Educational Service Center. Gray said many school districts, including Brookfield and Lordstown, have drone programs with a grants covering costs for the center to participate.

The agreement with the TCESC is through June 2025.

Drone racing league advisors are Michael Pozega and Carrie Sinkele who will split the $1,000 stipend between them.