batting cages, and a dedicated wrestling space.“Our teams have outgrown our existing facilities,” Lehman says. “This project has been talked about for more than 20 years, and it’s finally happening.” The existing basement weight room will be converted into a girls’ varsity locker room, ensuring equitable access to athletic space.“It’s about giving every student the resources they deserve,” Connor adds. Other projects include new roofing, upgraded water heaters, and revamped security infrastructure. The district recently replaced its external locks—some of which dated back to the 1960s—and modernized its camera system to ensure a safe, secure environment. CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION: BUILDING SKILLS AND PARTNERSHIPS Career and technical education is a cornerstone of Southern Wells’ curriculum, designed to connect students directly to local industry. Longtime teacher Tracy Gentis leads the building trades program, now in its tenth year, where students construct an entire house from foundation to finish. Working hand in hand with that effort is the HVAC program, launched in 2020 and led by Isaac Collins, a licensed professional with years of industry experience. The program partners closely with area contractors and suppliers, allowing students to apply classroom lessons on real job sites. “Every year, our HVAC students install systems in the houses built by our construction class,” Connor explains. “This year, they’re also learning to put in radiant heated floors.” The program offers dual credit through Ivy Tech and prepares students for the NCCER HVAC Level 1 certification, giving them a professional credential before graduation. Southern Wells also supports pathways in early childhood education, agriculture, and healthcare. The district runs its own preschool—founded in a converted high school family and consumer sciences classroom—to train future educators while addressing local childcare needs. Healthcare students earn CNA certifications through partnerships with regional institutions such as Ball State and the University of 323 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 12 SOUTHERN WELLS COMMUNITY SCHOOLS
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