JCTC, WJHS, EJHS set for major renovations this fall

The Jessamine County Board of Education approved a land survey Feb. 26 which would begin the process of starting major renovation projects at the Jessamine Career and Technology Center, West Jessamine High School and East Jessamine High School.

Scheduled to be conducted this month, the cost for the survey for all three properties is $30,620, which is included in the total construction budget for the project funded from the sale of bonds.

The initial budget for the project, scheduled to start this fall, was approved in January and totals $18.875 million with $750,000 of the funds coming from a Work Ready Skills Initiative grant the district received from the state.

“I am so excited about the opportunities that this expansion of our Career and Technical Education program will provide for our students,” Superintendent Matt Moore said.

“This project is an investment in their futures, as well as an investment in our community.  During the district’s strategic vision process. We heard time and again that our community needs additional skilled professionals.”

“Local businesses are looking to our district to help them meet their staffing needs by providing capable quality candidates with the skills necessary to succeed in today’s high-demand industries. 

“We believe that this expansion of our CTE programs pairs that charge with the JCS district goal of helping students find their passion and purpose, and enables us to provide amazing career options for students who choose these pathways.”

Patrice Jones, director of school community and public relations at JCS, said renovations are taking place in relation to the expansion of the programs offered at JCTC.

The growth will allow for the addition of an advanced manufacturing and construction program and additional improvements to existing career pathways.

“This expansion will  provide additional opportunities for Jessamine County students while also enabling the district to better meet the needs of our community by ensuring a well-prepared work force,” Jones said.

The renovations at JCTC allows for the expansion of the IT program and will provide classroom space for Phlebotomy and Fashion Design.

The improved classroom space will also provide support for special needs students which attend courses on campus.

During this process, the JCS Print Shop will be relocated to JCTC from WJHS. This will allow students the opportunity to attend business and marketing classes and obtain real-world experiences.

“At WJHS, renovation and construction will be completed in order to move all agriculture programs that are currently housed at JCTC to WJHS,” said Jones. “(We will also) relocate pre-engineering classes and add classroom space for new advanced manufacturing and construction programs at WJHS.”

At EJHS, Jones said improvements will be completed to house the culinary, pre-law, military leadership and fire science programs.