Whitley County Consolidated Schools (WCCS) acquired the former Breyden Products building, making a significant upgrade for Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs.
The 28,530 square foot building located at 71 E. Radio Rd., will become a comprehensive center for several of Columbia City High School (CCHS) CTE programs including Civil Construction, Criminal Justice, Emergency Medical Services, Fire & Rescue, and Welding Technology. This strategic acquisition addresses the growing need for dedicated, specialized training spaces for technical education.
“This new facility represents a transformative opportunity for our students. Our CTE programs have outgrown shared spaces throughout the district and this building will provide state–of-the-art learning environments that mirror real-world professional settings while also providing our CTE instructors and students space to call their own,” said Jennifer Reiff, WCCS Career and Technical Education Director.
In addition to CCHS students, WCCS CTE opportunities are available to other students from Churubusco, Wawasee, Whitko and West Noble through program sharing making this expansion crucial for regional workforce development.
In a true WCCS approach, Civil Construction CTE program students are already actively involved in the building’s renovation. Students are working alongside the district maintenance technicians and project architects, gaining practical experience while preparing their future learning environments.
“It means a lot that we get to help with this project because not only are we making a difference for the future students to come through the program but it also puts Columbia City High School on the map. Other schools have different programs but here they give us the opportunity to be involved and use what we learn. We are helping make this building something for the future,” said Brandon Richardson, Columbia City High School senior in Construction Trades.
CTE programs will continue their partnership with CityAuto Mall, Creations Beauty School, Miller’s at Oak Pointe, and Whitko Career Academy to offer CTE opportunities for students in identified programs where students can thrive in an environment that mirrors the industry workplace.
The building was purchased for $500,000. The average of two appraisals was $650,00. Breyden Products donated $150,000 back to WCCS for a tax incentive. Purchased with Columbia City High School bond dollars, the money was earmarked and had to be spent on building infrastructure for the high school.
“We understand school funding is complex. With the bond used to build the high school and careful investment led by Todd Fleetwood, WCCS Business Director, there were dollars saved and invested for future building use. To keep the funding from expiring, the Radio Rd. property was purchased to expand our CTE programming. No additional tax dollars were used to purchase the building. We are grateful for the generosity of the seller for allowing WCCS to purchase the building at a savings for the district,” said Dr. Laura McDermott, WCCS Superintendent.
The build-out process will take place throughout the summer and the 2025-2026 school year. Identified CTE programs will move into the building at the beginning of the 2026-2027 school year.
“In many school districts, all CTE programming is separate from the traditional high school setting, which creates a clear divide for programming and instruction. Our CTE programs have been built to withstand a separation while keeping the introductory courses and several full programs at Columbia City High School. The programs that are moving require additional space and can mirror industry expectations with the renovated CTE building. The close proximity of this location to CCHS was a determining factor of the purchase while being mindful of our taxpayer dollars,” Reiff said.
The project demonstrates WCCS’ commitment to providing regional leading technical education and creating pathways to successful careers for local students.
Total project investment and specific renovation details will be shared in future community updates. Learn more about CTE programs at.wccsonline.com/o/cchs/page/career-and-technical-education.
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About WCCS Career and Technical Education (CTE)
Whitley County Consolidated Schools Career and Technical Education (CTE) is committed to providing innovative, hands-on learning experiences that prepare students for successful careers and lifelong professional development. Our comprehensive CTE programs bridge academic knowledge with practical skills, offering students pathways to explore, learn, and excel in diverse technical and professional fields.
Our 24 pathways offer a dynamic curriculum designed to meet the evolving demands of today's workforce. Through expert instruction and industry-aligned coursework, we empower students to develop critical technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and professional competencies that will set them apart in their future careers.
We are dedicated to creating clear pathways that connect education with career success, helping students transform their potential into professional achievement.
For more information about our CTE programs, course offerings, and opportunities, visit wccsonline.com/o/cchs/page/career-and-technical-education.
About Whitley County Consolidated Schools
Whitley County Consolidated Schools (WCCS) is dedicated to providing a high-quality education that empowers all students to achieve their full potential. Serving Columbia City and surrounding communities, WCCS believes in fostering a learning environment that promotes academic excellence, personal growth, and character development. With a commitment to innovation and collaboration, our district offers a diverse curriculum, dedicated educators, and state-of-the-art facilities designed to inspire and engage every learner. Through partnerships with families and the community, WCCS strives to prepare students for success in a rapidly changing world. For more information about our schools, programs, and initiatives, visit us at wccsonline.com.
Media Contact
Dr. Laura McDermott, WCCS Superintendent mcdermottla@wccsonline.com
Kennedy Saggars, WCCS Marketing Director saggarskt@wccsonline.com
