Work Continues Toward Establishment of Effingham Regional Career Academy

Momentum continues to build for an Effingham Regional Career Academy.

The Academy would provide instruction in career programs. While a building to house the Career Academy is in the plans, some courses could be offered as soon as the 2017-18 school year.

Altamont Superintendent Jeff Fritchtnitch spoke by phone Tuesday morning with Illinois State Superintendent of Schools Tony Smith, and said Smith said the project is exactly what the State is looking for; a cooperative effort involving local school districts, Lake Land College, area businesses and industries, and local and state government. The Effingham County Chamber of Commerce is helping coordinate the effort.

Fritchtnitch said three courses could be offered as soon as next school year. One would be Manufacturing Skills, to be offered at Effingham; another would be Ag, to be offered at Altamont, Beecher City or Dieterichl and a third would be Welding, to be offered at Altamont or Effingham. 

Fritchtnitch said the goal is offering the courses at various locations until the Career Academy is built, with students desirous of taking the courses given the leeway to go to neighboring districts if it isn't available in their district or at a time that fits their schedule of other coursework.

Concerning the Career Academy, which is to be built at the Lake Land College Kluthe Center in Effingham, Fritchtnitch said it's hoped $5 million will be generated locally for the project. He said Smith indicated the State is ready to write a Federal grant for funds that would help with the project cost.

The project is on Lake Land College's list of Capital Development Board projects, and could be built within the next 18 months to two years.