Public urges trades-focused programming, raises pedestrian-safety concerns ahead of North Ridgeville high-school groundbreaking

During the public-comment period at Tuesday’s board meeting, resident Bernard Garcia urged board members to prioritize skilled trades and vocational training in planning for the district’s new high school and raised pedestrian-safety concerns about a proposed roundabout at the Bainbridge en route intersection. Garcia, who identified himself as a 2008 graduate of North Ridgeville High School, said not all students will pursue STEM degrees and that the district should plan for shop classes and training for operating equipment and commercial driving. “Not every kid's gonna be a scientist or a mathematician or an engineer,” Garcia said, adding that trades offer viable career paths that can support families and local businesses. Garcia also told the board he lives on the corner near the Bainbridge intersection and urged city leaders and residents to consider pedestrian safety for students walking to the library, park and other destinations if a roundabout is installed. In response, a board representative noted the district’s outreach to local employers through “future fairs” that invite manufacturing businesses, the military, and trade unions alongside colleges to present career options to students. The representative said the district aims to meet individual student needs and encourage multiple career pathways. The board also announced a Ranger Rally event on Friday, Aug. 15, that will include the opening of a Wilcox Elementary time capsule at 5:30 p.m. and a ceremony marking the high-school groundbreaking at 6 p.m. Multiple community partners and food will be present; the district encouraged attendance. Garcia’s remarks were part of the public-comment period and no formal board action on curriculum changes or city traffic projects was taken during the meeting.