Career Center receives funds for new building

Bond secured the funds with the help of the U.S. Economic Development Administration, which he oversees.

The Monett center is one of two out of 52 Missouri career centers that serve students from 14 or more schools. Increasing enrollment has caused the center to outgrow its current facility, said Teresa Stark, director of job placement.

“This facility was built in 1965, and it’s not conducive for traditional classrooms and what we need,” she said.

Stark said architects are meeting with teachers to determine the best plans for the new facility, and bids will be released in a month or two. The bids are expected back in January, and construction will begin immediately following, she said.

The new building will be located on the Monett High School campus and will join the school with the center’s current facility, which will be turned into a fifth- and sixth-grade center for the district.

The center offers 14 programs for high school and adult students including automotive technology, culinary arts and graphic communications. Stark said there are plans to add a diesel technology program.