Ohio Hi-Point Career Center began an important chapter in its history Thursday by kicking off its $34.96 million renovation project that during the next 18 months will transform the current student laboratories, classrooms and common areas to state-of-the art spaces for 21st century learning to meet student, industry and community needs.
District officials at the groundbreaking ceremony related that the project would not be possible without the overwhelming support from the public, with voters in five counties and across 14 partner school districts approving a 0.6-mill permanent improvement levy that set the project in motion during 2018.
“It’s a very exciting day for Ohio Hi-Point’s history and it’s future,” Superintendent Dr. Rick Smith said. “We wouldn’t have been here today without the great support of the taxpayers, our local communities, leadership and a great staff.”
“The day we passed our levy, May 8, 2018, was a wonderful day for Ohio Hi-Point Career Center,” Board of Education President Anne Reames said. “Then May 29, the boards of election in each of the counties certified the votes, with 11,345 voters casting an affirmative vote for our levy. We are very grateful to have such strong support here in the community and are looking forward to the opportunities for students in future generations to come.”
Monarch Construction of Cincinnati will oversee the project and Freytag & Associates Inc. provided the design work for the initiative, which includes a major overhaul of Building R on the campus.
Dr. Smith said the dirt-moving was slated to begin Friday. The renovations are expected to be completed in time to start the 2022-23 school year, just a few years shy of the district’s 50th anniversary following its founding in 1974. The last renovation at the campus occurred in 1994.
In November, the Board of Education also approved LeVan’s Excavating, Inc. as the general contractor for the construction of the entrance drive project. The new entry drive will lead to the new main entrance of the high school, making it easier for students and visitors to identify the main entrance.
The superintendent said the construction in the Building R will take shape in phases over the upcoming months while students are still in classes inside the building.
One of the new features of the renovation that will benefit both the community and student safety is the creation of a new public service entrance for Ohio Hi-Point’s restaurant and salon.
Visitors to the salon or restaurant will be able to utilize this well-marked entrance to check in and then enjoy the chance to partake of a meal or receive salon services without having access to the rest of the high school building.
“This will enhance our student safety, while also lending itself to a professional environment for these student-run programs,” Dr. Smith said. “Our students will enjoy the chance for a real world career experience while serving customers at the salon and restaurant.”
When the project is complete, OHP’s Culinary Arts and Cosmetology programs will be located on the first floor of Building R, and the second story will feature Allied Health and Sciences.
Each of the career programs will undergo a face-lift to provide students more space, classroom flexibility and upgraded equipment. Some updates include: expanded real-world learning opportunities in Cosmetology and Health Careers Academy, added space to the Diesel and Welding labs and spaces for new programs like cyber security and public safety, officials related.
Dr. Smith noted that the Sloan Foundation provided $1.5 million in funding for new equipment that will be incorporated with the expanded career laboratories.
In addition, academic classrooms will be upgraded to offer a collaborative and flexible learning environment while maintaining classroom management.
A new and dedicated centralized student services center will provide a one-stop shop for students for academic, graduation, testing, and social and emotional support. The renovations also include an assembly space large enough to hold the student body.
Kelsey Webb, OHP director of communications and public relations, also related that the cafeteria will be updated to have a “college campus” feel to provide students with grab and go options and spaces to visit with their peers.
Considering the upcoming 50th anniversary of the facility approaching, Dr. Smith said he’s looking forward to the new opportunities for future pupils that the renovations will afford.
“It’s all about the students, now looking ahead to even the next 40 to 50 years,” he said.
“This new renovation and construction will provide our future students with the latest technology and educational facility to prepare them for whatever their career pathway may be, whether employment, enrollment or enlistment.”
To follow Ohio Hi-Point’s construction progress, visit www.ohiohipoint.com/construction.