Osseo-Fairchild School District ditched the outdated shop class and built a brand-new technical education center. Packed with modern equipment and functional furniture, the space gets students excited about learning and prepares them for in-demand careers.
Read on to see how Osseo-Fairchild overcame challenges, embraced community support and partnered with us to create an innovative learning environment that will benefit students for years to come.
Out with the Old, In with the New
The district’s previous technical education setup presented several challenges. Safety concerns due to the open layout and a lack of dedicated space for activities like welding and woodworking hampered the program’s growth potential.
“We realized that times are changing, so we needed to adapt as well,” said Cory Halverson, the tech ed teacher at Osseo-Fairchild School District.
Recognizing the need for change, area voters approved a referendum that paid for nearly all the school construction. This community support allowed the district to construct the Osseo-Fairchild Technical Education Center, which opened in the fall of 2022. The $4 million facility serves kids not only from Osseo, but also Augusta, Elk Mound, Mondovi, Whitehall and homeschooled students. Classes range from woodworking to welding to robotics, all offered in conjunction with Chippewa Valley Technical College (CVTC). Students can even earn credits toward CVTC degrees, giving them a head start on their careers.
WB: A Proven Choice for Functionality and Durability
When it came to outfitting the robotics classroom and learning center room, the school district chose us as their furniture expert. Our furniture was both tough enough to withstand daily use by students and aesthetically pleasing to create an inviting learning environment.
“We wanted furniture that could handle the dust from a woodworking shop, the sparks from a welding area and the chips from the machining program,” said Halverson.
The school’s prior experience with WB’s products also solidified their decision.
Storage Solutions and Increased Flexibility
The furniture selection played a pivotal role in shaping the new technical education center. Here’s a closer look at the key solutions implemented:
- Storage Solutions: Our Replay® File Drawer Base Cabinets addressed the critical need for organized storage. These cabinets feature hidden casters for easy mobility, maintaining a modern aesthetic while promoting efficiency. The school also opted for our Mobile Transporter Storage – versatile, multipurpose cabinets featuring shelving for storing books, materials and supplies.
- Flexible Workstations: Our EPIC Tables and Replay® Drawer Over Double Door Base Cabinets serve a dual purpose in the new space. They function as both sturdy workstations and portable stations for equipment like the Amatrol’s Skills Boss, with its various tools and power supplies. This adaptability makes it easy to move equipment over to the middle school for quick demonstrations.
- Reconfigurable Learning Area: Our Flip Top Tables in the learning center room empowered students to rearrange the space to suit their learning activities. Unlike the stationary tables used in the previous space, these tables offered effortless reconfiguration, eliminating the need for multiple people to move them and preventing floor scratches.
- Uniform Look: Previously, rows of mismatched tables housing computers created a chaotic atmosphere. Students found themselves scrambling for the best table or workstation. Fortunately, with the new EPIC Tables, the classroom has a more uniform look with functional workstations for each student. This consistency creates a more welcoming environment for students.
Positive Impact on Learning
The new technical education center has elevated the learning experience for students. The dedicated workspaces, readily available resources and flexibility offered by our furniture all contribute to:
- Increased student engagement
- Improved learning outcomes
- A more positive and productive learning environment
Collaboration Leads to Success
The collaboration between our team and Osseo-Fairchild extended far beyond the initial sale. From user-friendly assembly to exceptional customer service, we impressed the school staff at every step. A minor hiccup during installation was swiftly addressed, showcasing our commitment to excellent after-sales support.
“The first week in the new building, we put one of the sides to the Teacher’s Lectern down and didn’t know how to get it back up,” said Halverson. “So, we called WB, and within a matter of minutes, we’re back up and running. It very much has a mom-and-pop feel to it.”
We also invited the school to bring their students to our facility, providing them with a “behind-the-scenes” look at how their classroom furniture was made. This not only fostered a strong relationship but also gave students a glimpse into potential future careers in manufacturing.
A New Chapter for Osseo-Fairchild
Our partnership with Osseo-Fairchild School District shows the power of collaboration and innovation in transforming education spaces. The school district’s commitment to providing students with the best possible technical education, coupled with the state’s Department of Workforce Development grant of $1.1 million funneled through Chippewa Valley Technical College to pay for all the manufacturing equipment, paves the way for a future generation of skilled workers ready to serve their local business community.
Is your learning space ready for an upgrade? Contact us today and see how we can elevate your educational environment to support students and prepare them for success.