High School for Autism Set to Open in September
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio -- Among the greatest concerns of parents with children diagnosed with autism is the lack of academic and educational options after their children complete elementary and junior high school.
That void soon will be filled in the Mahoning Valley as officials Wednesday presented plans to convert the former Anthem building, 2405 Market St., into the Potential Development High School for Autism, a high school dedicated specifically to teens with autism.
"Everybody wants the same things for their children," said Lisa Robinson, whose son, James, is a seventh-grader at Potential Development, a K-8 program in the city that is spearheading the new high school. "You want a life of purpose and dignity, and it's the same with parents with autistic children. We want our kids to find their own way in the world as much as they can."
Potential Development's new school affords children with autism a critical component in their growth and education. When it opens, it will be only the third such high school in Ohio.
What's especially important to Robinson is that her son can continue his education with the same students he's worked with since second grade. "I was thrilled that James has the opportunity to continue on with the students that he's always known,” she said, “and that other students from other schools with autism have an opportunity to have choices."
Paul Garchar, executive director of Potential Development, says the school will open sometime in September and at first will accommodate 20 students.
"We're pleased to meet this community need," Garchar said. "At full capacity, we'll be able to serve upward of 100 students. So we're very excited and pleased to attain this site."
About 15 teachers and staff would be employed the first year, and as enrollment grows, the need for additional employees would also rise to "probably as high as 30 to 40," he said.
Students who attend the new school would be covered by the Autism Scholarship program, which is extended to nonpublic charter schools, Garchar said. "It basically pays for their tuition,” he explained, “so it’s a huge help for the families."
Potential Development paid $225,000 for the 36,000-square-foot former Anthem building that is undergoing renovations. The project was funded through private donations and foundation grants, Garchar noted.
Mike Fagan, architect for Olsavsky-Jaminet Architects Inc. and a member of the Potential Development board, said the Anthem building proved a perfect fit for the project.
"This is a fabulous building," he said. "The beauty of it is that it fit into our needs perfectly."
The three-story structure provides the opportunity for expansion at the site, Fagan said. Both the upper and main level floors are designed to have eight classrooms and training/testing rooms.
Construction is focused on getting the main floor ready for the fall, Fagan remarked. In addition to the eight classrooms and training rooms, the ground floor would also offer break rooms, staff rooms and restrooms.
All classrooms will be equipped with SmartBoards, chalkboards and computer technology.
"It's almost like it's in move-in condition other than erecting our walls for our classrooms," Fagan said. The lower level will consist of a large multi-purpose room suitable for gatherings and meetings, an exercise room, showers and bathrooms, and a life-skills center.
"It will be developed around an apartment environment, so that these students can be taught to live on their own as they go out into the world," Fagan said.
A music and art room would also be in the lower level, leaving ample space for storage. An elevator is to be installed at the rear of the building.
Modifications are being made to the lighting, and a sprinkler system is scheduled to be installed by fall.
"Finally, we're getting to the point where we're able to serve high school students," added state Sen. Joe Schiavoni, D-33 Canfield. "Just the ability to be able to interact, go to work, and do the things that all of us take for granted – this facility is now going to provide that."
That's especially heartening to parents such as Robinson, who have searched for a way to provide the best for her son. "To have a facility that offers training, job skills, and life skills -- I'm excited for him," Robinson said. "I think this is really going to help."
Copyright 2013 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.
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