According to a report from the Governor's Office, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Lt. Governor Jim Tressel recently spearheaded the groundbreaking of a new career technical center at Bryan Middle/High School in Williams County. The move, designed to increase students' access to technical education, aligns with the administration’s push to address workforce needs in Ohio. The project benefits from a $2.5 million Career Technical Education Equipment Grant from the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (DEW).
In remarks made at the ceremony, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine emphasized that "Our career tech centers offer so much value to our communities. They help train and develop our young people with the skills they need to land the many in-demand jobs available in Ohio.” Meanwhile, Lt. Governor Tressel highlighted the center's alignment with the state's workforce strategy, "This new building we are breaking ground on today aligns perfectly with the goals of Ohio’s Workforce Playbook." The playbook is a proactive approach to link education with the evolving job market, crafted from inputs of education, business, and community leaders. The center, besides abetting the skills gap, is poised to become a "satellite" location for the Four County Career Center, a collaborative approach to expand opportunities and prevent the annual sidelining of would-be students due to space restrictions.
The new technical center will diversify Bryan City Schools' (BCS) curriculum with classes in engineering, precision machining, computer-aided design (CAD), electrical, plumbing, and robotics. Jeremy B. Varner, DEW Deputy Director leading the Division of Career Technical Education and Workforce, said, "This strengthens the learning community and provides many advantages for students to elevate their knowledge, skills, and workforce preparedness." Statistics from the state indicate a 10% increase over four years in student participation in career tech education, suggesting a growing interest in such programs.
BCS Superintendent Mark Rairigh embraced the statewide support for technical training that resonates with their goals of readying students for the workforce. The construction of the facility is set to be completed by June 2026, with the doors opening for the 2026-2027 academic year. As an additional feature separate from the grant, BCS funds are earmarked for building an auxiliary gym and weight room to service indoor athletic training needs and host local community events, as well as middle and high school practices and competitions. Tressel anticipated, "This new space for physical education programs, athletics events, and community events will provide a place where students can grow, challenge themselves, and build lifelong memories."
