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State funds Skills Center in Walla Walla

State funds Southeast Area Technical Skills Center in Walla Walla
Construction expected to begin Fall 2012

April 11, 2012 -- The Washington state legislature approved an additional $10,350,000 today to fund the construction and equipment for the Southeast Area Technical Skills Center in Walla Walla. The legislature has funded a total of $11, 519,000 during the 2011-13 biennium for this project. This funding marks the final step needed to put the facility into operation in Walla Walla.

"This skills center will provide us more options for students throughout the Walla Walla Valley and help us better coordinate programs with Walla Walla Community College," said Superintendent Mick Miller. "Thanks so much to Senator Mike Hewitt and Representatives Maureen Walsh and Terry Nealey for their support representing this project in Olympia."

During the 2011 legislative session, the district received $1,169,000 for design development. Architectural designs are nearly completed for the 36,000 square feet facility located at Walla Walla Community College off of Isaacs Ave.

With funding now secured, the district expects to break ground on the project in the Fall 2012 and open the new skills center for the start of the 2013-14 school year. The skills center will initially offer construction trades, welding, renewable resources and health occupation programs.

The building will have space for future growth which may also be used for other skills center needs. The Walla Walla skills center will be a branch campus of the Kennewick School Districts Tri-Tech Skills Center.

Technology Director Kirk Jameson and District Consultant 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 the majority of slots. Walla Walla Public Schools 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.

Skills Center Facts:
Skills Center Location: Walla Walla Community College next to the Health Occupations Building on Isaacs Ave.

Programs Offered:

  • Construction Technology
  • Welding Manufacturing
  • Renewable Resources Technology
  • Health Occupation programs
  • Space is also available for additional programs in the future

Construction Timeline: Construction begins Fall 2012 with classes beginning in Fall 2013

Cost/Funding Source:

  • Approximately $11 million (building and equipment)
  • State funded through school construction dollars
  • WWCC is leasing the land to Walla Walla Public Schools for $1 per year
  • The district's matching portion of the project cost is the value of the WWCC lease over 30 years
  • The state funds the remaining portion
  • No cost to local taxpayers
  • Architect: Architects West

Partnering districts:

  • Dayton
  • Waitsburg
  • Touchet
  • Prescott
  • Possibly local private schools
  • An agreement could also be reached with the Milton Freewater School District to serve Oregon students.

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WALLA WALLA PUBLIC SCHOOLS • 364 South Park St. • Walla Walla, WA 99362 • Phone: 509-527-3000 • Fax: 509.529.7713

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