TCTC prepares for expansion project with Appalachian funding

School gets $5.1M for more program space

CHAMPION -- Officials at the Trumbull Career and Technical Center are prepared to move forward with an expansion of its building with the recent acquisition of $5.1 million in Appalachian grant funds.

The money was received for the career center through the Appalachian Community Innovation Centers grant program.

Superintendent Jason Gray said the funds will be used for an addition to the building to house engineering and industrial technology programs.

"The reason we go after these grants is career and technical education is expensive. It is constantly growing and modernizing and equipment is always changing. One program in technology for equipment can cost $1.3 million" Gray said.

Gray said the center is fortunate that of the 84 submissions seeking funding, 11 entities were awarded the grant money. Gray said nearly 70 of the applicants were education-related entities seeking the funds.

"It is good that schools are going after this money. We are excited to be getting this and to be able to work with the Ohio Schools Facilities Commission on this project," Gray said.

The two programs will be located inside the newly built area on the eastern side of the building near the wood trades and carpentry program.

He said a requirement of the grant is the center must provide a combined access point to public education, community health services and workforce development.

The American Rescue Plan Act established the Capital Project fund and appropriated $10 billion for funding crucial capital projects.

The state was awarded more than $268.5 million in funding,

OTHER PROJECTS

In other business at the recent board meeting, Rachel Gensburg, program and guidance supervisor, said the old barn used for the equestrian program was taken down in June and work will begin on a new equestrian barn this month. Morton Builders has been working on the barn.

Gensburg said other projects this summer include the transforming of a former ROTC room into a drones and aviation technology room. This project is being done in connection with Trumbull County Educational Service Center.

Three new programs this fall are aviation and drones technology, industrial technology and digital marketing.

The board also approved placing a 2.4-mill renewal levy on the November ballot. Treasurer Cody Holecko said the owner of a $100,000 would continue to pay $70 a year. Holecko said the levy generates more than $9.785 million since it is voted upon by residents countywide. All school districts in the county send students to the career center.

Gray said the levy millage amount was originally set in 1977 when the career center opened. He said the millage is low and the career center is able to operate on it.