District continues pursuit of High School Skills Center

Scope of Project
Walla Walla Public Schools is seeking to become a branch campus of the Kennewick Tri-Tech Skills Center to offer Walla Walla and regional high school students technical training. Instructors would be industry professionals with years of experience. The programs would be designed around local, state and national skills standards.

Funding of Project

• The district is applying for state matching funds to pay for 90% of the facility and the necessary equipment to operate it.
• The WWCC land donation represents the district’s 10% match obligation.
• The proposed Skills Center project will not increase local bond taxes.

Proposed Partner School Districts

• Walla Walla Public Schools (Host District)
• Prescott
• Touchet
• Dayton
• Waitsburg
• Local Private High Schools
• Milton-Freewater (future)

(Each school district will have an allocation of student “slots”)

Work to Date

• Walla Walla Public Schools completes a feasibility study (2008-09)
• State awards district $100,000 for preliminary designs (Spring 2009)
• District submits pre-design study to state (January 2010)

Next Steps

• State legislature reviews pre-design study and the district’s request for architectural design funding (January-March 2010)
• District applies for state construction and equipment funding (date TBD)
• No timeline has been set for construction or for when the proposed Skills Center will be funded and operational.

Program Offerings (Grades 9-12)

• Health Occupations
• Construction Technology
• Information Technology
• Welding
• “Green” Technologies

Additional programs could be added as needs occur and funding becomes available.

Location
Walla Walla Community College
(Located between the Auto Body Repair Technology and Health Sciences and Performing Arts buildings on Isaacs Avenue.)

Building Size
Approximately 27,000 square foot building

Estimated Enrollment
Approximately 200

Skills Center Daily Schedule
Students complete three periods a day at the Skills Center and the remainder of the school day at their high school.

Many students are placed in job shadows, internships and clinicals during the program. The Skills Center will maintain a connection with colleges and technical schools.

Tri-Tech Skills Center online:
www.ksd.org/tritech/