School presenters outline $8.5 million plan to retrofit Radio Road building for CTE programs
March 25, 2026 | Whitley County, Indiana
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A presenter for the school corporation updated the Whitley County Redevelopment Commission on plans to retrofit a building on Radio Road into a career and technical education (CTE) center that would house five programs: fire and rescue, construction, welding, EMT and criminal justice.
The presenter said the district already purchased the building and is working with construction partners on interior retrofits. "We're looking at about an 8 and a half million dollar project in total for the purchase of the building, the clearing of the lot ... and then inside," the presenter said, describing site work, a new slab and ongoing interior construction.
The presenter described a fundraising and partnership plan the packet labels "Bridging the Gap," noting equipment donations and sponsorship levels. She said some partners have already donated large items — including a skid steer for the civil construction program — and that the district will install a donor wall to recognize contributors.
Specific equipment requests include up to 20 welding booths; the presenter said, "The price tag on those welding booths in totality is $20,000 a booth," a figure that the commission asked staff to consider when discussing possible support.
The presenter described how the district intends to collaborate with neighboring schools so programs are complementary and seats are shared according to student population. She also noted that some instructors are current industry practitioners, citing examples of instructors who formerly worked in area firms and public safety.
Commissioners asked about certification outcomes and enrollment; the presenter said the system offers industry‑recognized certifications and dual‑credit opportunities and that she could provide graduate totals on request. The presenter said the district hopes to open the CTE site in August and invited commissioners to schedule a tour of the construction site.
The commission did not take a funding vote at the meeting but agreed to leave the item on the next agenda and to consider tours and follow‑up questions, giving staff two weeks to gather additional budget and enrollment information.
The presenter said the district already purchased the building and is working with construction partners on interior retrofits. "We're looking at about an 8 and a half million dollar project in total for the purchase of the building, the clearing of the lot ... and then inside," the presenter said, describing site work, a new slab and ongoing interior construction.
The presenter described a fundraising and partnership plan the packet labels "Bridging the Gap," noting equipment donations and sponsorship levels. She said some partners have already donated large items — including a skid steer for the civil construction program — and that the district will install a donor wall to recognize contributors.
Specific equipment requests include up to 20 welding booths; the presenter said, "The price tag on those welding booths in totality is $20,000 a booth," a figure that the commission asked staff to consider when discussing possible support.
The presenter described how the district intends to collaborate with neighboring schools so programs are complementary and seats are shared according to student population. She also noted that some instructors are current industry practitioners, citing examples of instructors who formerly worked in area firms and public safety.
Commissioners asked about certification outcomes and enrollment; the presenter said the system offers industry‑recognized certifications and dual‑credit opportunities and that she could provide graduate totals on request. The presenter said the district hopes to open the CTE site in August and invited commissioners to schedule a tour of the construction site.
The commission did not take a funding vote at the meeting but agreed to leave the item on the next agenda and to consider tours and follow‑up questions, giving staff two weeks to gather additional budget and enrollment information.
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