Ohio Hi-Point Career Center is moving forward with plans for a new Public Safety Building on its Bellefontaine campus.
During its regular meeting on Wednesday evening, the OHP Board of Education approved Grand Lake Building Co. as the Construction Manager at Risk for the project.
The new facility will support the district’s growing Public Safety Academy, which offers career training in Criminal Justice, Firefighting, and Emergency Medical Services (EMS).
The academy accepts up to 50 students annually, providing foundational training in their junior year before allowing them to specialize in their senior year.
Students choose from three focus areas in their final year: Criminal Justice, Fire Level I, or Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). The firefighting program is offered in partnership with Clark State College and serves as a gateway into the Fire Level II program.
“This new space will allow us to train students in these much-needed career fields,” said Assistant Superintendent Brad Richardson. “We’ve seen strong community support and a real need for local EMTs, firefighters, and law enforcement officers. We’re grateful to our partners for their continued support and look forward to having this new space.”
Plans for the building include separate classrooms for each program, a fitness training area, locker rooms, and dedicated bays for EMS and fire vehicles.
The site will also include outdoor areas where students can practice vehicle maneuverability and conduct simulated emergency training exercises.
WDC Group is overseeing the architectural design of the building.
Construction is scheduled to begin in October 2025, with the facility expected to open in Fall 2026.
The estimated cost of the project is approximately $400,000.
For more information about Ohio Hi-Point or the Public Safety Academy, visit www.ohiohipoint.com.
