Table Rock Career Center project in Reeds Spring receives $17M in state funding
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A significant chunk of funding was recently approved for construction of the new Table Rock Career Center, which broke ground in January.
Gov. Mike Parson signed the 2024 state budget, which includes $17 million in state funding.
The center — which will replace the aging Gibson Technical Center — was renamed to reflect its location and area of service.
The new facility, part of the Reeds Spring school district, will serve as a regional hub for mostly high school students to access career and technical education.
Superintendent Cody Hirschi released a statement Friday thanking Missouri state senators Karla Eslinger and Lincoln Hough for supporting the allocation.
“The approval of this funding is the result of a collaborative effort between local legislators, educators, and business leaders who recognize the importance of providing students with high-quality career and technical education,” said Hirschi, in a statement. “By investing in the Table Rock Career Center, Missouri is taking a significant step toward ensuring that its workforce is prepared to meet the challenges of the modern economy.”
More: OTC plans to expand welding program, renovate industrial building with surplus funds
The center will offer programs in welding, automotive technology, marine technology, construction, and healthcare. Students will have the option of earning industry-recognized certifications while in high school.
Currently under construction, the center is expected to be open for the 2024-25 year.
It will be operated by the Reeds Spring district but serve students from a total of 12 districts in Stone, Taney and Christian counties. Programs geared for adults will be offered in the evenings.
In April 2022, voters approved a $40 million "no tax increase" bond issue, meaning it will not impact property tax bills but will add to the district's debt. Part of that bond issue provided the core funding for the project.
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Table Rock Career Center project receives $17M in state funding
