The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Students tour school construction
Over a dozen Lorain County Joint Vocational School students toured Oberlin’s newest elementary school Feb. 24.
Students from the electrical and HVAC programs watched professionals operate and work on the preK to fifth grade facility on North Pleasant Street.
The students donned hardhats and listened intently to the professionals as they demonstrated their trades.
Lizzie Rickard, 17, a JVS electrical student, said she was fascinated with getting to learn about the electrical ins and outs of the new building.
“It was good to see the commercial side of electrical work,” Lizzie said. “We haven’t done that yet.”
While commercial electrical work is scheduled to start during the next quarter for her classes, she said it was great to get ahead.
“I was excited to see the main electrical distribution panel and really see what it’s like before we start,” Lizzie said.
The new building is two stories and will have a gymnasium, warming kitchen, media center and academic and administration areas.
The total building area is 62,000 feet and comes at a $17 million price tag.
The district received a $60,000 grant to provide support for an environmental studies lab in school.
Austin Wade, 16, a junior HVAC student, said he was thrilled with getting to see the unfinished building.
“It’s definitely different than the residential one I worked on,” Austin said. “It’s so much bigger and has a lot of furnaces.
“I was shocked by how big things get in a school.”
Austin said he was thankful for the opportunity and the guidance of his instructor.
“Our instructor didn’t leave anything out,” he said. “It was good to learn new things.”
During the tour, Oberlin City Schools officials said the building is about 50% to 60% complete and is expected to be finished in July.
Oberlin Schools Superintendent David Hall and school board members toured the facility with the students.
Hall said the new features in the school are exciting, and he is looking forward to having students in the building.
“I’m very excited for our STEM labs, new technology and solar features we’re going to have here,” he said.
Hall said he was thrilled the JVS students saw the process of their trades in front of their eyes.
“It’s phenomenal,” he said. “I’m so glad they were able to come by and look at the HVAC and electrical systems.
“They were able to see professionals and learn about their future careers.”