EAST LIVERPOOL - East Liverpool School members were able to show off their renovated career technology building earlier this week, about a month after the teachers and students were able to move back into the structure themselves.
Parents and students were able to view the high school building and examine the different classrooms to receive a first-hand look at the projects and equipment the students are able to utilize during the school year.
On the first floor, the construction and automotive labs were complete with state-of-the-art equipment while the second floor housed the commercial arts, criminal justice and landscaping labs and classrooms. The new art room, complete with a kiln, is also in the new building.
East Liverpool Mayor Jim Swoger visited the building and was stunned by all the technology available to the high school students.
"I'm a pencil and paper guy," Swoger said. "This stuff blows me away."
Even commercial tech instructor Robert Morris, a 34-year teaching veteran, was excited about the new classroom that offers numerous computer workstations, equipped with dual monitors and various printing equipment.
He hyped the hands-on experience along with the opportunity for the kids to get familiar with performing in the workplace.
"This gives you a business atmosphere," Morris told a group of parents and prospective students during a tour of his classroom. "There are a lot of great things that come out of this."
Across the hallway, Rich Rice, landscaping instructor, showed parents the new desks, storage closet full of new tools and the Gator that sits in the rear of the classroom lab. Rice said his students are able to complete projects around the school while obtaining a hands-on lesson in his teaching units.
And in another wing, Dave Long, criminal justice teacher, gave tours of the classroom which contains the equipment that one might find on the popular television series CSI.
"We have more equipment than some police departments," Long said, while demonstrating forensic equipment.
Long said the students can complete Criminal Justice I and II classes which earn them a private security certificate right out of high school. In addition, the classes can be transferred for up to 12 college credits.
School board member and liaison for the building project, Gary Bonnell, said the district put $1.2 million into the building even upgrading the windows and doors. He said since the building is still brand new, the school is still looking to upgrade some area after receiving feedback from the teachers.
The renovation of the career technology building is part of the school district's "master plan" to revitalize the school's facilities. About $20 million will be spent when the career building along with other high school renovations are completed.
