Macomb High School’s hallways got a fresh look this summer thanks to a work crew led by Director of Operations Scott Schauble. Superintendent Patrick Twomey praised the effort and revealed plans to remodel the high school further while developing a regional career technical education (CTE) center.
Twomey said no final decisions have been made on the timing or location of the CTE classrooms. The school board prefers to build its own facility, drawing on experience from constructing a building for the FFA program. However, Spoon River College’s recent expansion offers a possible alternative for classroom space.
“I believe these two projects—the high school remodel and the CTE facility—will happen almost simultaneously,” Twomey said. “We’ve had a construction architect here recently to explore what a remodel might look like, especially for the science labs. While we initially considered interior updates, our new facilities director has modernized the building’s look with minimal cost by updating colors and finishes. So, these projects will likely move forward sideby- side.”
Funding for both projects depends largely on revenue from a local wind farm, which is expected to start producing power soon. Once the developer provides revenue projections, Twomey and regional partners—including Spoon River College, MAEDCO, and the city—can discuss partnership options for the CTE center.
Twomey has also contacted U.S. Senator Dick Durbin’s office seeking federal funds, citing the current national push to support career technical education.
“If all goes as planned, construction could begin within a year, even before the wind farm revenues are realized,” Twomey said. “We could bond the projects based on future revenue projections.”
Transportation remains a key consideration. Many Macomb students cannot afford to spend an hour each way commuting between campuses. Building new classrooms within the remodeled high school or a dedicated CTE facility would reduce travel time.
The centralized location would also benefit neighboring districts like West Prairie 170 and Bushnell-Prairie City, which have bus networks and students interested in technical education to prepare for local skilled labor jobs.
“This is about regional students,” Twomey emphasized. “We want to partner with any district within driving distance to provide their students with these opportunities.”
