South Ohio News

State Senator Shane Wilkin (R-Hillsboro) announced that three school districts in the 17th Senate District will receive $37,209,114 to enhance workforce development opportunities and healthcare services. This initiative is part of a broader effort to allocate more than $88 million to nearly a dozen Appalachian school districts aimed at improving public health and career readiness.

"These dollars are an amazing investment into our schools, students, and all Southern Ohioans," Wilkin stated. "The renovations will innovate our school facilities to serve countless people who need access to healthcare and the tools for their next career."

The districts receiving funds include:

- New Lexington City Schools: $16,404,114 will be used to upgrade the health clinic, add specialized classrooms and labs, expand the Workforce Development Center and its career pathway offerings, and create a multi-purpose area for training, physical health, and wellness.

- Gallia Jackson Vinton Joint Vocational School District (Buckeye Hills Career Center): $10,500,000 will be allocated to create a health services center for medical, dental, and behavioral health; expand workforce development including dedicated workforce search space; and add new classroom, dental lab, and computer lab space.

- Chesapeake Union Exempted Village Schools: $10,305,000 will go towards renovating Chesapeake High School to provide Ohio Means Jobs services to the community; expanding offerings in robotics and engineering classes; and offering on-site physical therapy, preventative care, and wellness checks.

The funding is provided by the Appalachian Community Innovation Centers Program. This program aims to establish full-service centers for public education, health services, and career development accessible to any Ohioan in need of assistance. The allocated funds will cover construction and renovation costs.

Learn more about the Appalachian Community Innovation Centers Program here.