High School Skills Center a reality

High School Skills Center a reality
Architectural designs nearly completed

Progress continues on the development of a high school skills center in Walla Walla, according to an update to the school board during last night's public work session. Superintendent Mick Miller reported approximately $11 million has been earmarked in the state's capital projects fund this legislative session. He said the district could receive funding this summer, break ground on the project in the fall and open the new skills center in 2013.

Architectural designs are nearly completed for the 36,000 square feet facility located at Walla Walla Community College off of Isaacs Ave. The Skills Center will initially offer construction trades, welding, renewable resources and health programs. The building will have two spaces for future growth which may also be used for other skill center needs. The Walla Walla skills center will be a branch campus of the Kennewick School District's Tri-Tech Skills Center.

Kirk Jameson and Sergio Hernandez are taking the lead on organizing the project and coordinating programs. The skills center will serve regional high schools, including Dayton, Waitsburg, Touchet, Prescott and possibly local private schools. An agreement could also be reached with the Milton Freewater School District to serve Oregon students.

Students from Walla Walla High School and Lincoln High School are expected to take 80 percent of the slots. Miller anticipates the skills center will serve 60 Full-Time Equivalent students when it opens and grow to 160 FTE in future years. Students will attend for a three period block in either the morning or afternoon. Career and Technical Education courses at Walla Walla High School will still be offered.