FAIRMONT — On Monday evening, Fairmont High School will host its first vocational advisory committee meeting. The first couple of meetings will focus on the vocational expansion project.

On Feb. 9, 2021, Fairmont Area Schools will ask the community to support a $6.73 million bond referendum for a new vocational center. The purpose of the vocational center will be to teach students the skills needed to gain successful employment with local industry, to develop opportunities for students throughout Martin County, and to grow the community.

The 13,860 sq. ft building will be located on the south side of the high school building, next to the existing vocational area.

Fairmont High School co-principal, Jake Tietje, recently delivered packets to 52 businesses and industries in Martin County, informing them of the goals of the committee and inviting them to join.

“The goals for this committee are to connect local industries with the school district,” Tietje said.

Tietje called the creation of the committee the first step in the process.

“We want to make sure our local industry is informed of the project and the reason why we’re moving forward with the community on the bond referendum. Our goal is that these key stakeholders in the community can help spread the word on the project,” Tietje said.

The new vocational center will include a classroom designed for HVAC. There will also be an expanded woodshed classroom, an automotive shop expansion, and a manufacturing lab. The existing lab will become a programming lab

The HVAC lab will allow students to take four blocked classes during their junior and senior years. By the time they graduate, successfully completing the program, they will be certified to be able to enter an HVAC career or continue with their schooling.

“That’s a really exciting program. With the shortage of HVAC in the region and the nation. There’s only two other schools in the nation that have that program in their high school,” Tietje said.

The vocational advisory committee will be asked to attend several meetings, provide guidance for the school district to determine equipment and technology to be used in the facility, and advocate for the need for a new vocational center at the high school to members in the community.

“Building connections within the community is what’s going to help this program be successful. The ultimate goal is to provide employment opportunities for our students within our community,” Tietje said.

Tietje said they’re not turning anyone away so anyone else who wants to be part of the committee can be.

“It’s a win-win. It’s a great opportunity for our businesses to come in and help educate our students but in turn, we can create opportunities for employment for our local businesses,” Tietje said.

Once the project passes, they would start the design phase and then go out for bids in early summer. Ground-breaking would likely happen in late summer and occupancy in the summer of 2022.

Monday’s meeting will start at 6 p.m. in the performing arts center at Fairmont High School. It will include a presentation, a tour of the current facility, and a question and answer session.

Two public meetings will take place next month, one on Jan. 12 and another on Jan. 26. Anyone who wants more information, or wishes to join the committee, can contact Tietje by calling Fairmont High School at 507-238-4411 or email jtietje@fairmont.k12.mn.us.