$9.2 million helps fund Lawrence County voc-ed center
Funding will support renovation and expansion of county’s Local Area Vocational Education Center
LOUISA, Ky. (WTVQ) – Gov. Andy Beshear presented $9,280,350 to Lawrence County Schools to support the renovation and expansion of the county’s vocational school.
“Our economy is on fire. Manufacturing and technology are moving the commonwealth forward. So now more than ever, Kentucky needs a multifaceted and skilled workforce to support this development,” Beshear said during the presentation Friday. “Career and technical education is an essential part of building that workforce and giving each of our students a strong foundation.”
In the project funding application, school officials say the current Career and Technical Education program is held within a few classrooms in the current county high school. Because of limited space, the course offerings and student enrollment are also limited. The renovation and building expansion will change that. When finished, there will be new and improved spaces for agricultural education, computer science, coal technology, construction and carpentry, along with a greenhouse and distance-learning lab.
“I know first-hand how important it is for students to have up-to-date tools, equipment and technology in the classroom,” said Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman. “Lawrence County students will soon have those new resources and improved opportunities to prepare for the jobs of today and tomorrow.”
“This is a great day for Lawrence County and its students,” said state Sen. Phillip Wheeler, who represents five counties including Lawrence County. “Vocational education can provide for quick entry into good-paying jobs and provide a solid basis for further economic development. I am proud of work done by General Assembly and Gov. Beshear to make this important project happen for Lawrence County.”
“The funding for the Lawrence County Vocational Educational Center is a huge win,” said state Rep. Patrick Flannery, who represents Carter and Lawrence counties. “The educational opportunities will change lives and improve our economy and workforce.”
“This grant will give us the opportunity to enhance the career and technical programs that we currently offer at Lawrence County High School while adding a computer science pathway and a distance learning lab,” said Dr. Robbie Fletcher, Lawrence County Schools superintendent. “We are thankful for these funds that will help us in accomplishing our mission to personalize learning that inspires students to dream, challenges students to persist and equips students to succeed.”
