HEDCO passes resolution to help bring more KC classes to Henderson

The Henderson Economic Development Corporation (HEDCO) passed a resolution July 28 to offer assistance to Kilgore College for workforce training.

KC President Dr. Bill Holda and other KC administrators met with representatives of HEDCO, Henderson Independent School District, the City of Henderson and the Henderson Chamber of Commerce at the former Central Elementary School campus on Aug. 3 to discuss plans for the coming year.

The HISD board agreed at its April meeting to let KC use the former elementary school building to schedule classes beginning this fall. The building is no longer used by HISD due to the completion of the new Wylie campus in Henderson.

Beginning Aug. 24, the former Central Elementary School building in Henderson will be used by KC for dual credit, Electric Power Technology and GED classes, eventually expanding to offer more Adult Basic Education, continuing education and workforce training (vocational and technical) classes.

According to Holda, this is the first step in the development of a full-time teaching center in Henderson.

"Now more than ever, we are looking at ways to expand our class offerings to better serve the 20 school districts in our service area," Holda said. "Having buildings to use in Henderson will help us meet our goal of expanding needed instructional opportunities to our neighboring communities."

HEDCO plans to survey the technical and vocational needs of the community, possibly offering KC some financial support with technical training.

"It's really a win-win," Holda said. "We are able to expand our course offerings to neighboring communities, while those same communities receive the instruction and job training they specifically need to boost their own workforce's skills."

Holda said talks have already begun with other service-area school districts about using available facilities to help bring instruction to communities where demand for such programs is needed.

According to Terry Booker, KC's dean of Instructional Outreach, the college has already partnered with the Gladewater Economic Development Corporation. GEDCO funded the remodeling of a building on the Gladewater High School campus where the college offers dual credit courses to Gladewater Independent School District students.

"The building was equipped with furniture and computers by GEDCO, and it is also available for Adult Basic education, Adult Continuing Education and workforce training," Booker said. "The partnerships with GEDCO and GISD are an excellent model for what we hope to do in Henderson and Gilmer."

Booker also said that the college is planning dual credit and Adult Basic Education classes this fall at Gilmer High School, using their facilities.

"We hope to partner with Upshur County Economic Development Corporation to identify other higher educational needs for the county," Booker said. "Some of those may require some funding from both groups."