Governor attends grand opening of SCI Center

By Mary (Galer)

Herschelman

"What a wonderful day for the students of Montgomery and Macoupin counties as we open the SCI Center," said Litchfield Superintendent Dr. Greggory Fuerstenau.

Located at 2001 Eilerman Ave. next to Lincoln Land Community College in Litchfield, the renovated warehouse is now home to state-of-the art career and technical education thanks to an $8.6 million grant from the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

The South Central Illinois Regional Workforce Training and Innovation Center becomes the 25th career center in the state, and is the first new one since the 1970s.

"This is a proud moment," Dr. Fuerstenau told the crowd of about 100, gathered on Monday afternoon, Aug. 28, for the official grand opening and ribbon cutting.

Helping to mark the special occasion was Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Deputy Governor Andy Manar of Bunker Hill.

"It's an exciting time for jobs and economic growth across downstate Illinois and for the first time, students here in south-central Illinois will have access to 21st century career paths that can begin upon high school graduation,"said Governor Pritzker. "These are the types of strategic investments that build our workers' skills to take the jobs available right now in high growth industries of the future. And most importantly, this puts Illinois at the forefront of economic progress in the nation."

In addition to serving students at Litchfield High School, the center also works with students from eight other regional high schools, including Bunker Hill, Carlinville, Gillespie, Hillsboro, Mt. Olive, Nokomis, Panhandle and Staunton. Organizers hope to offer adult education classes in the evenings in the future.

Governor Pritzker noted that for decades the nation pulled back from career and technical education, and he has dreamed of seeing it brought back. He thanked Lincoln Land Community College and Lewis and Clark Community College for offering dual credit classes through the new center, as well as local business partnerships and the school district.

"This is a testament to the very best of private/public partnerships," Governor Pritzker said. "It's set to become a model for rural communities across the state of Illinois."

In addition to the $8.6 million grant, private partnerships helping with the project include the John D. Brubaker Foundation, which helped in the auto tech center, Worksaver for providing equipment for the welding program and McKay Auto Parts for putting a small shop inside the auto tech classroom.

Governor Pritzker also thanked Deputy Governor Andy Manar, who helped to kick start the project when he was a state senator. Helping to finish was Senator Doris Turner.

"The concept is quite simple," said Manar. "Not every student dreams of a college degree. Not every employer needs workers with a college degree. And not every school district can offer these opportunities to students. But that's not going to happen here anymore because of the leadership of the Litchfield School District and surrounding school districts."

State Representative Wayne Rosenthal, who also serves as a trustee on the board for Lincoln Land Community College, credited Dr. Fuerstenau and Litchfield School District Career and Technical Education Coordinator Dr. David Lett for their vision in this project.

"It benefits everyone in this area and there's plenty of room to expand," Rosenthal said.

Litchfield Mayor Steve Dougherty said his administration has been regionally-minded for years, adding that he was glad the school district had that same philosophy.

"We can't grow without being regionally-minded," he said. "What we are lacking here is a well-trained workforce. SCI will be able to provide that for us. Watch us grow."

Roger Eddy, a member of the Illinois State Board of Education praised Dr. Fuerstenau and Dr. Lett not only for their vision in the center, but for bringing that vision to fruition and getting businesses, industry, educators and more to work together on the project.

Charlotte Warren, who serves as the president of Lincoln Land Community College, said they are looking forward to having good neighbors in Litchfield at the SCI Center. She said they are excited to continue to grow the partnership as well.

Panhandle School District Superintendent Aaron Hopper, who also serves as the president of the non-profit SCI Prairie Works, talked about the journey to expand career and technical education in this region, which started with the four school districts in Montgomery County. He talked about the growing Ag Academy programs offered at Lincolnwood High School

in Raymond as part of this program as well.

Earl Flack, president and CEO of McKay Auto Parts said he hopes their partnership with the school district will help to create a positive shift in career and technical education.

In closing, Litchfield School Board President Julie Abel thanked everyone for coming and recognized many dignitaries in attendance. She also thanked Dr. Fuerstneau and Dr. Lett for daring to dream big and understanding the need for this type of program in this region.

"This is the day we have been waiting for," Abel said.

After her remarks, dignitaries helped to officially cut the ribbon on the new center, and those present were invited to tour the facility.

Students from several school districts began classes at the South Central Illinois Regional Workforce Training and Innovation Center on Aug. 16. A public tour is also being planned at a later date.