News Summary
Lexington residents gathered to commemorate the opening of The Hill, a technical school in the former Lexington Herald-Leader building. The $65 million renovation signifies a major step in career and technical education for Fayette County, combining existing schools to prepare over 1,000 students for various workforce pathways. Key features of the redesigned facility promote modern educational practices, while the curriculum spans 19 career options, addressing local workforce shortages. The project, supported by a $10 million state contribution, aims to align educational opportunities with Kentucky’s economic needs.
Lexington Celebrates New Technical School Opening
Lexington residents gathered to celebrate the grand opening of the Hub for Innovative Learning and Leadership, commonly referred to as The Hill, a new technical school located in the former Lexington Herald-Leader building. The renovation of the facility, which cost $65 million, marks a pivotal advancement in career and technical education for Fayette County.
The Hill combines two existing schools for career and technical education, aiming to better prepare over 1,000 high school students from across the county for the workforce. At the opening ceremony, Principal Michelle Wilson reflected on the significance of the new facility in shaping the future of public education and workforce development in Kentucky. She shared a personal story about her aspirations while applying for a job at the Herald-Leader, underscoring the theme of new opportunities that the school intends to create.
The building, situated at 100 Midland Ave, underwent extensive renovation led by EOP Architects. The project prioritized incorporating student feedback to align modern educational practices with the needs of learners. Key features of the renovated space include expansive glass vistas and open areas aimed at enhancing the educational experience. The design promotes transparency and visibility in education by showcasing various skilled trades within the school.
The curriculum at The Hill will span 19 career pathways, including law and public safety, fire science, transportation technology, media arts, construction, culinary arts, health sciences, and aviation. This diverse array of programs is designed to equip students with practical skills and knowledge essential for the job market.
The establishment of The Hill comes amidst ongoing workforce shortages in various industries, particularly in skilled trades. Bob Quick, the executive director of Commerce Lex, emphasized the school’s role in addressing these shortages and contributing positively to local economic growth. The state of Kentucky demonstrated commitment to technical education through a $10 million contribution to the renovation effort, further highlighting the importance of vocational training.
Governor Beshear’s advisor, Rocky Adkins, referred to the school as a crucial pipeline for future workforce development, indicating the importance of aligning educational opportunities with the needs of the state’s economy. The transformation of the former newspaper building signifies not only a new chapter for Fayette County’s education system but also for its economic landscape.
Originally built in 1980 to house the combined Lexington Herald and Lexington Leader newspapers, the Herald-Leader building served as a state-of-the-art facility until declining profitability led to its sale in 2017. Fayette County Public Schools purchased the property for $7.5 million in 2020, setting the stage for its renovation into a technical school.
Architectural elements of the new facility maintain homage to its rich journalistic history. Features include remnants from old printing presses and a sculpture named Scoop, crafted from newspapers, symbolizing the legacy of the former occupants. The opening event attracted former employees of the Herald-Leader, who expressed admiration for the building’s transformation into a site dedicated to education and workforce development.
Retired photographer Charles Bertram remarked on the potential of The Hill, asserting that it may stand as one of the best technical schools in the country. Meanwhile, former managing editor Tom Eblen voiced optimism regarding the building’s new purpose, highlighting the legacy of the Herald-Leader as an advocate for education and community progress.
As Lexington celebrates this momentous opening, the Hub for Innovative Learning and Leadership is poised to play a vital role in shaping the educational landscape and workforce readiness in Kentucky for years to come.
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Additional Resources
- WKYT: FCPS Holds Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for The Hill
- Wikipedia: Career and Technical Education
- Kentucky.com: Editorial on New Educational Opportunities
- Google Search: Technical Education Kentucky
- Fox 56 News: Fayette County Public Schools Unveils New Resource
- Google Scholar: Technical Education Workforce Development
- Kentucky.com: New School Programs in Lexington
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Workforce Development
- Fox 56 News: Principal Announced for New School in Lexington
- Google News: Fayette County Public Schools
