Terry Schrimscher
TRUSSVILLE, Ala. — Trussville City Schools Superintendent Patrick Martin appeared on Tribune Unplugged last week, two days after announcing a $12 million Career and Technical Education (CTE) grant awarded to the city in collaboration with Jefferson County Schools.
“The legislature put forth a line item for $150 million in this last year’s fiscal budget,” Martin said. “We already have terrific academies. What this allows us to do is take that to the next level.”
After the announcement at the Trussville Board of Education meeting on Monday night, Sept. 21, questions began to emerge about the potential location of the center. The Cahaba Valley Innovation Center will serve high school students at Hewitt-Trussville, Pinson Valley and Clay-Chalkville.
“What we know is this, there is not a timeline in which we have to expend the funds. Other criteria of where and how this looks is really up to the two [Local Educational Agencies] that put this forward. There’s a lot still to be answered,” Martin said.
“I’d like to partner with our city council in terms of what opportunities they’re going to have,” Martin said. “What I’d really love is for our students to be at a site that is in close proximity to other tech park-type buildings and then our students could access some of those leaders as well.”
Martin credited his partnership with Steve Ammons and the Birmingham Business Alliance for making the grant happen. He also noted State Superintendent Eric G. Mackey and state Reps. Shay Shelnutt and Danny Garrett were instrumental in obtaining the grant funding.
Although the location has not yet been determined, Martin said he believes the cost of building and equipping the center will be more than the amount the school systems have received. He expects to apply for an additional $3 million in the next fiscal year but says the total price could be higher.
“I believe we’re going to be in the $20 to $25 million range,” Martin said. “If we’re able to get 15 we partner with Jefferson County to see what those additional funds need to look like.”
In his Board of Education presentation, Martin outlined learning spaces dedicated to aerospace and mechanical engineering, biomedical and sports science, broadcast media and HVAC training. He noted the center would be more than an opportunity for students to learn careers; it could be an opportunity to recruit industry to Trussville.
In his interview with the Tribune, he said he hopes the center will equip students to earn $75,000 or more without a college degree.
