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Catoosa Learning Center work advances

By: Ronnie Moore
(Contact)

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Shirley Smith

RINGGOLD, Ga. — The steady increase in General Educational Development students at the Catoosa Learning Center is recognition of the importance of a degree, but so is a $500,000 state grant, officials said.

Center supervisor Shirley Smith said the growing number of people studying to pass the exam reflects a realization that a diploma or the equivalent is important to gain a good job.

“Work began on the expansion area of 4,100 square feet in August 2007,” she said. “We have used prison laborers to hold down the expense of the addition, and they are doing a wonderful job. The cost of labor and materials jumped between our initial application for an Appalachian Regional Commission grant four years ago and the start of work.”

Mrs. Smith said that in a perfect world, she could say the building addition will be completed in October.

“Realistically, we’re probably looking at January,” she said. “I am prepared to grin and bear any slight delay when the laborers are permitting us to have a larger building.”

The number of students receiving GED certificates rose from 46 in 2000 when the center opened to 146 in 2006.

Catoosa Citizens of Literacy has secured funds to pay the GED examination fee for everyone taking the examination.

Catoosa Commissioner James Emberson said he is proud of advances made at the Learning Center through the efforts of Mrs. Smith and Catoosa Citizens for Literary.

“This is a tremendous service for the county and these students,” he said. “It permits individuals trapped without a high school diploma to succeed.”

Mr. Emberson said gaining a GED will increase the earning power of recipients and increase the tax base for the benefit of everyone.

“The diploma will assist their efforts to make a better life for themselves and their families in the future,” he said. “That has to be considered a positive turn of events.”

Mrs. Smith said work crews connected the roof of the existing center to the extension late last month.

“The addition will provide two more classrooms, a computer room and offices for the Catoosa County Family Collaborative,” she said.

The collaborative now is housed in the nearby Health Department Building on the Benton Place campus.

County commissioners recently approved the low bid of $46,457 for the installation of a heating and air conditioning system for the expansion.

Catoosa Finance Officer Carl Henson Jr. said $51,000 had been spent for materials on the expansion through April 30.

“That doesn’t include bids for such things as the HVAC or the metal roof that may have been approved or ordered, but not yet paid,” he said.

Catoosa Project Administrator Christal Thomas said she has paperwork for a roofing contract with Superior Commercial Roofing Inc. for $66,935.

Northwestern Technical College pays teachers and assistants about $125,000 annually for work they do at the Learning Center. Free computer classes also are offered with donated equipment and volunteer instructors.

Mrs. Smith said state Sen. Jeff Mullis, R-Chickamauga, and state Rep. Jay Neal, R-LaFayette, were instrumental in supporting the state-funded $500,000 grant approved by Gov. Sonny Perdue in 2006.

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