Board holds preliminary hearing on proposed $77.85 million career-technical center and new transportation facility

Northwest Allen County Schools held a preliminary determination hearing June 23 for proposed capital projects that would add a career-technical education (CTE) and alternative education center at Carroll High School and a new transportation facility, administrators said.

The projects were presented by district staff and consultants in schematic-design detail and will be the subject of a second public hearing July 21. Superintendent Barker and Dr. Bidding described program plans and site work; business staff reviewed estimated costs and financing scenarios.

District staff said the CTE/alternative education center is being planned as a multiuse facility intended to serve “all students.” Dr. Bidding listed about 21 proposed programs under consideration, including certified nursing assistant and medical-assistant pathways, fire and rescue/EMT training, industrial maintenance, welding, ag mechanics, construction and an early‑childhood preschool lab intended to link with the culinary and nutrition programs. “This facility is meant for all students. It's not just a career center, it's not just a college bound center, it has a little bit of everything,” Dr. Bidding said.

Administrators presented a schematic plan showing…