KCSD Celebrates grand opening with tours for community partners, district leaders
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KCSD School Board members Steve Lowell and Jill O’Donnell talk about the expansion of career technical education programs for middle school and high school students.
KCSD School Board members Steve Lowell and Jill O’Donnell talk about the expansion of career technical education programs for middle school and high school students.
The following is a press release from the Klamath County School District.
New construction trades building, greenhouse at Henley provides career-connected learning for Junior High, High School students
New construction projects at the Henley Complex are providing opportunities for hands-on projects and career-connected learning for junior high and high school students.
During a grand opening celebration on Wednesday, community partners and leaders had a chance to hear from students and see their projects during a one-hour tour of Henley’s three recent construction projects – the Construction Trades Building, a new greenhouse, and a concession stand.
The first stop was the recently completed Construction Trades Building located behind Henley Middle School. The 3,700-square-foot, two-story building provides traditional classroom space as well as indoor and outdoor open workshop space outfitted with the latest technology and equipment.
Introductory and advanced construction and carpentry trade courses are offered to both high school and middle school students. The school district utilized $1.3 million in federal ESSER funds for the building construction. A Future Ready Oregon grant from the Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI) was used to purchase the needed furniture, supplies, and equipment for students to use.
Construction trades teacher Brian Palmer and his students spoke about their projects and access to more advanced courses. Three Henley High School students talked about the construction and design of two tiny homes, which were built by students and industry partners at the Klamath Basin Homebuilders Association’s annual Build My Future event. One of the homes was on site and students were able to give a tour.
Glen Szymoniak, superintendent of the Klamath County School District, described a need for expansion of CTE (career technical education) programs for students to provide pathways to career options and apprenticeships.
“Based on community feedback during the district’s strategic planning process, we knew that there was a demand for construction trades professionals in the community,” he said. “This new building, along with our industry partnerships, will provide the resources students need to pursue those paths.”
To support career-connected learning for its students, the district works with Klamath Community College as well as industry and construction trades partners.
Across the complex at Henley High School, construction is nearly finished on a new 2,700-square-foot greenhouse that will be used for the school’s agriculture science CTE pathways. The $91,770 project was paid for through the district’s general fund.
Ag science teacher Gretchen Iverson and her students talked to the group about plans for the new space, which will provide opportunities for agriscience projects, and hydroponic, aquaponic, and autonomous plant production.
The outside of the new 2,700-square-foot greenhouse that will be used for the Henley High School’s agriculture science CTE pathways
“This greenhouse will be a living laboratory, allowing students to get their hands dirty and explore the science of plants,” Iverson said. “It also will foster a sense of responsibility and community. Students will have individual and school-based agribusiness enterprises by the raising, marketing, and selling of the plants that they grow. Plus, it will provide fresh produce for the school cafeteria, promoting healthy eating habits.”
The final stop on the tour was at the construction site of the concession stand and restrooms just inside the gate to the high school’s football field and track facility.
The 1,760-square-foot building will provide much-needed restrooms and a space to sell food, drink, and booster materials during events. Construction is expected to be complete in early spring. The $331,893 project is being paid for through the district’s general fund.
All needed funding to support the three projects and CTE courses was approved by the KCSD Board of Directors. Plans are to continue expansion of current and additional CTE programs of study at all district junior high and high schools.
