The project is built around an educational plan the School Committee approved early in the project. McCandless said the idea is to "re-envision" vocational education and putting a premium on the programs. That includes upping the qualifications to get into the program and increasing competitiveness. 

 

"It is not lesser than academics. It is actually academics plus. Voc students have to pass the same three MCAS tests that our kids who have been collegebound since kindergarten have to pass," McCandless said. "Our vocational students, almost to a person they could go to college as soon as they graduate. We want everybody to have the college option but we are getting out of the business of saying college is your only path forward."

 

In recent years the school has boosted vocational programming with a new SkillsUSA chapter and partnerships with Berkshire Community College and local businesses, like Interprint. This is designed to give local students a step up on careers and prepare a skilled work force to attract employers.

 

"You can earn a good living without incurring the debt and putting your life on hold," McCandless said of vocational education.