Board approves moves for alternative-education programs; renovations planned at Carroll High

Trustees approved proposed relocations for the district’s two alternative-education programs and authorized administrators to proceed with planning and partner with selected construction and design firms for renovations.

Superintendent Barker recommended moving the Optimum Learning Center (OLC) from its current offsite Youth Services Center location into space at Carroll Middle School that the district expects to free when Applied Skills relocates to Willow Creek. He said the OLC would operate as a “school within a school” with dedicated classroom, office and restroom space and its own secure entrance and parking.

Barker and Dr. Jane Bidding then discussed moving the Allen County Learning Academy (ACLA) from the Allen County Juvenile Center to a former technology department area at Carroll High School’s north side. Administration said the high school space already contains infrastructure (bathroom and kitchen) and can be renovated to provide a secured entrance and student parking; the proposal includes renovations and security measures, and administration said some additional staffing or schedule adjustments may be required.

The board approved the recommendation and asked administration to work with Barton-Coe Vilama and Wygan Construction to scope needed renovations and return with cost and schedule details. Trustees said the plan is intended to improve access for families, reduce travel barriers and better integrate alternative programs into district facilities.