Dawson Springs Independent Schools is partnering with Madisonville Community College and West Hopkins Industries to create a new training facility that will offer students more educational opportunities in the years ahead.
During his report to the school board Monday night, Superintendent Lenny Whalen shared that they have been in discussions with MCC to make this training facility a reality. He said they are already planning schedules for courses in robotics, engineering, and related fields, with instruction provided by both district staff and MCC faculty.
As part of those talks, Whalen shared that MCC President Dr. Cynthia Kelley explained the college already operates a satellite in Muhlenberg County, and the new training facility could serve as a similar satellite campus in Dawson Springs.
click to download audioWhalen noted he is now 90 percent confident the factory will be built in Dawson Springs, following some earlier uncertainty. Even if the factory does not move forward, he assured the training center will still be constructed and utilized by students.
click to download audioIn response to a question about ownership of the training center, Whalen explained that West Hopkins Industries, which is funding the construction, will own the building.
click to download audioHe added that while the school district will not be directly involved with the building for now, it may have a role in the future. He stated that MCC will oversee and operate the training center.
Whalen also shared that MCC has applied for a $2.3 to $2.4 million grant to provide materials and resources for the training center.
click to download audioWhalen said he has been told the goal is for the building to be up and running by the start of the next school year.
click to download audioHe described the process as “building the plane while flying it,” but said things are looking very positive. The project is promising, he noted, because it requires little funding from the school district, though there may be future needs. Whalen added that the district will continue to partner with MCC to do whatever it can to benefit local students.
