Waldo County Technical Center

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What's happened at WCTC

The purpose of this page is to provide a summary of the events that have taken place at the school. From its opening in 1975 with 8 programs, it has grown to 20 in September 2006. These changes have required several changes in both staff and facility. Over the years 8 new classrooms have been added to accommodate these changes. The most recent renovations and additions were completed early this year. These recent changes have created a new area for Culinary Arts, Strive, and for a new Business and a Graphic Arts Program. Areas have been renovated for Early Childhood Occupations, Health Science Careers, and an area for student gatherings like college recruiter presentations, Cooperative Board meetings, or other groups.

The most recent improvements did not happen by chance. They started with a less than favorable report from the state Fire Marshall. This led to an engineering study by Harriman Associates. Following the review of this data, it became obvious that something had to be done.

In October 2001 a Friday evening and all day Saturday program called Future Search was held with over 40 community members participating. The consensus was WCTC is filling a vital role in the community and needed to investigate new program offerings, and embark on a major facility upgrade. The following month the NEAS&C accreditation team visited the school for the ten year review to continue the school's accreditation. In their report they stated that WCTC was a school on the threshold of excellence, and that with recommended facility improvements could achieve greater success.

The outcome of these 2 activities caused a number of facility committees to be formed to look at achieving the goals set forth by these groups. In investigating the availability of funding, it was discovered that a facility conditions study was required. This study found a sound structure nearly 30 years old in need of some repair and upgrade. The first improvement efforts were to correct health and safety issues, and to bring the building up to code where practical. This first phase of the project was funded with a Federal Grant of $300,000, $80,000 of donated labor by the National guard and a number local people, and a $350,000 loan from the state revolving renovation fund. Of the $730,000 expended in this phase, only $191,088 was assumed by taxpayers to be paid back over 5 years. These funds allowed for firewalls between the shops, a new septic system, new boilers, new electrical and telephone services, and bring the well head up to code, material to build a storage garage, and an addition to house the Horticulture and Natural Resources Programs. The additional applications were submitted to the State Revolving Renovation fund to complete the remainder of the renovations and additions, and a $1,000,000 loan was approved in April 2004. This sum was not adequate to complete Phase 2 due to rising construction costs and additional requirements. The Cooperative Board voted to ask the communities for an additional $500,000 in the same November 2004 referendum where the communities voted on accepting the Revolving Renovation fund loan. All was approved by the voters in November 2004.

Selection of an architect, then a contractor followed and construction on Phase 2 started in May 2005. This project added 2 new areas to the building. One to house the Culinary Arts program, the public cafe, and a dining room on the west end of the building. Another addition was put on the east end of the building to house STRIVE and the new Business and Graphic Art programs. This phase of construction also gutted the entire south side of the building with the exception of the administration area to make new areas for the Health Science program, the Early Childhood program, and a new gathering area. The cost to the taxpayers for this phase was the additional $500,000, and $550,000 of the $1,000,000 loan to be repaid over the next 10 years. The good news is that WCTC is now an efficient and environmentally upgraded structure ready to serve the communities for many years. Three new programs are scheduled to start in September. These are a Business, a Graphic Arts, and an EMT program. The school plans to continue listening to the communities it serves, in order to become an even more valuable asset to them. For additional information related to any of the items discussed on this page, please see the appropriate detail pages. Also watch this site to see how WCTC is improving the life and opportunities of students.

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This page was last updated: 1/5/2007 7:52:53 AM