The Redevelopment Commission on July 15 approved Resolution 9-2025 to appropriate funds to Richmond Community Schools to expand work-based learning and dual-enrollment programs, voting unanimously to allocate the requested support. The resolution authorized funding at the level the applicants requested: $165,000 per year for two years.

School leaders told the commission the funding will support partnerships with Ivy Tech Community College and the Richmond Area Career Center to start two initial cohorts(10 students each) in welding and certified clinical medical assistant (CCMA) training, with the goal of expanding to 40 students per year over time. Presenters said the programs will use dual-enrollment and stackable credentials so students can earn college credit and workforce credentials before high school graduation.

Dr. Curtis Wright, superintendent of Richmond Community Schools, and Karen Scalf, assistant superintendent, outlined the educational rationale: Indiana's new high school diploma includes a work-based learning requirement that increases required work-based learning hours depending on the diploma pathway, and district leaders said business demand and state policy make expanding these programs a priority. School staff said some program costs are covered by existing state career-education funding and Ivy Tech support; the requested RDC funds are described as gap funding to cover equipment, curriculum materials, PPE, tuition for dual-enrollment where applicable, and transportation as needed so students are not excluded for financial reasons.

District and college presenters described the initial program design: cohorts of 10 students for welding and 10 for CCMA with dual-enrollment at Ivy Tech; students will earn industry-recognized credentials and in some cases college credit that can stack toward further credentials. Presenters said program applicants exceeded available seats and that the district had prioritized students and will expand capacity as funding and facilities permit.

Commissioners asked about metrics and sustainability. School and Ivy Tech representatives said the state and the college maintain completion and credentialing metrics; the district will track credential attainment, course completion, and post-graduation placement and return to the commission with results. Several commissioners expressed support for future follow-on funding requests if program growth requires additional resources.

Formal action: a motion to approve the appropriation passed unanimously (Michael Bloom, Jenny Lammon, Kathy Lucid, Gary Turner, Allison Bridal all recorded as voting in favor).