GETAWAY — Collins Career Center sits amidst farmland in rural Lawrence County.

Although it is out of sight to most, many people feel the county’s only technical and vocational school is a vital part of the community.

Kara Terry is one of those people. She has taught at CCC for 23 years and is the business and marketing instructor.

“I have seen numerous success stories of our former students and our current students,” Terry said. “…We make sure that the students have the tools to succeed on the job and in the real world. The skills taught at Collins Career Center prepare students for careers for the 21st Century. I am proud of the work we do here and hope we can continue our success stories.”

The future of the school could change depending on Tuesday’s primary election.

The school has embarked on an approximately $22 million renovation project that includes expanding classroom sizes by approximately 150 square feet and adding an additional 11,000 square feet to the building to meet code according to the Ohio School Facilities Commission.

The project would also modernize the cafeteria and repair a crumbling infrastructure, which includes repairing the sewage plant, heating and air conditioning, electricity and a leaky roof. The facility is the oldest used educational structure in the county, built in the 1970s.

A five-year, half-mill tax levy on Tuesday’s ballot would bring in about $300,000 a year for the school to keep in a state mandated set-aside fund to maintain the campus once the renovation project is complete. Because the state is paying 75 percent of the renovation project, the district has to set aside money for 23 years to make sure the facility is maintained.

Without the levy, Superintendent Steve Dodgion has said the renovation will continue but program and personnel cuts would be imminent.

Former student Brian Garrison said he hoped voters would support the levy. Garrison graduated from Dawson-Bryant High School and the commercial truck and equipment technology program from CCC in 1999. He has been working as a diesel technician since 2000.

“Roy Daniel and Ray Kendrick were exceptional instructors who encouraged me to further my education and receive my ASE Master Technician certification,” Garrison said. “The program instructors and academic teachers at Collins not only gave me the confidence to pursue a career I enjoy, but instilled in me a strong work ethic that has been instrumental to my ongoing success. I encourage every voter in Lawrence County to support the JVS/CCC levy on March 6.”

John Dickess, owner of Dickess Auto Repair, graduated from CCC in 1983.

“For the first time in my life, I liked school,” Dickess said. “I felt respected, and I was treated like an individual. I learned what I needed to learn in order to support myself and my family. My training at Collins made it possible to eventually own several automotive-repair businesses and to give back to my community by helping its citizens with their automotive needs in an honest and dependable way. I thank Collins for my diploma, my mechanical training, and my success as a businessman.”

Caitlan Murphy got her STNA certification in 2011 and is contining on to get her practical nursing license.

“My grandmother has breast cancer,” Murphy said. “…Because of my STNA license I am now able to take care of her. She didn’t want someone outside of our family taking care of her and no one in our family could without the license. I am thankful I have somewhere to go that is hands on and quick to get the education I need.”

 

Follow Michelle Goodman on Twitter: @Michelle_Journo