BRIDGEPORT — Bridgeport Exempted Village School District is using public feedback to strengthen evolving plans for an upcoming multipurpose expansion dubbed “the Bridge.”

Last summer, the district announced approval of $13.8 million in state funds for a 28,500-square-foot addition for education, workforce development and health care needs.

On Saturday, during the last of three public meetings to hear community input, Superintendent Brent Ripley and board members followed up on questions and suggestions. Ripley said the facility should make Bridgeport a hub of services for surrounding communities.

“It’s going to a shining light in the Ohio Valley,” Ripley said.

The Bridge will house health and dental services through businesses such as Ohio Hills Health Services and offer education and workforce development for students and adults. The Medicaid-funded state program OhioRISE (Resilience through Integrated Systems and Excellence), which connects children and families with needed resources, will expand services from its current on-campus office.

The two-story facility will also benefit student-athletes, who will have more options to train on site.

Ripley outlined the strict security measures that will be in place to keep students and adults separated.

The district is seeking additional grant funds through the Appalachian Regional Commission to enhance adult education.

The new application will be submitted in February and, if approved, those grant dollars will go to supplies, salaries and public transportation options like bus passes to increase access.

Curriculum Director Leslie Kosanovic outlined how the YouScience program was used to measure student aptitudes and interests and align them to what careers will likely be in demand, with the goal of equipping students to graduate ready to attend college or with certification and experience to establish themselves in the workforce.

Ripley looks forward to releasing the final designs for the Bridge once the plans are completed and ready for bid.

The district is looking into suggestions from prior meetings, such as offering mentors for children with high needs, as well as training for students interested in becoming home health aides, social workers or earning a commercial driver’s license.

Ripley has reached out to the Jefferson County Educational Service Center for a possible adult literacy and basic education program.

Ohio Means Jobs will also work with the College Credit Plus program to build students’ skills in interviewing, resume building and job searching. The district is looking into partnering with Goodwill to offer adult on-the-job training.

Area resident Dennis Burlenski asked if the district had also contacted trade unions.

Ripley said the Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math lab hopes to partner to offer a 3-D printing lab. Other possibilities include a fiber optics lab and Belmont College’s mobile welding lab. Ripley said Bridgeport schools has been in contact with those entities.

“They may be evening classes, but we do want to offer everything we can for kids,” he said.

Kosanovic added that the Bridge’s flexibility allows the same spaces to be used for multiple purposes. The district is also part of the East Central Ohio Business Advisory Council and is in conversation with the trades through that organization. She added the construction manager, Beaver Construction, has indicated interested students can shadow them on site.

Area resident and father of three Eric Hoskins asked questions about the district’s stewardship of the tax dollars, including how the board will work with businesses that will lease space in the Bridge. Ripley said the board has put considerable thought into the lease agreements and the district will purchase and retain ownership of the equipment. Ripley said the district is planning for the future as new opportunities arise.

Prior to the meeting, Hoskins said he was enthusiastic about the Bridge prospects.

“I’m excited to see so much investment in the community, especially state dollars. Anytime we can capture some of that money and bring it to our local area, that’s a benefit for all citizens,” he said. “They’re doing such a diligent job, really looking at the broad range of things that they can bring.”

In answer to another question, Ripley and district officials said data indicating the present and future employment in demand was compiled thanks in part to the district’s partnership with Ohio Means Jobs. The information will be made available on the school district’s website.

Guests included St. Clairsville Area Chamber of Commerce Director Wendy Anderson and husband Dave Anderson, a Brookside firefighter. Wendy Anderson said the Bridge would be a boon for the area.

“It’s a great idea for the community, for the kids,” she said.

Anderson was interested in the Bridge’s potential for hosting events for organizations such as the Rotary club and the NAACP.

“My hope is that it brings the community together again,” she said. “It’s amazing to see what they have accomplished so far.”

Board of education members voiced their enthusiasm. Kori Rosnick, who comes from a medical background, was excited for easy and convenient access to health services. She also said students would be able to “test the waters” in different fields. Don Cash opined that a Silver Sneakers program and activities like golf would be popular among older residents and a source of income to pay for utilities. Ryan Kreiter said they would position themselves to make the most of tech fields in the future. Karrie Puskas said the space was optimal to host a voting site and job and health fairs.

Patrick McConnaughy called the Bridge “a blessing” for community members otherwise cut off from convenient access to vital services.

“I personally can’t think of anything in my lifetime that will ever be as impactful to our community and benefit the kids in our community as this project,” McConnaughy said.

Groundbreaking is set for May 28. The Bridge must be completed by Dec. 31, 2026.

More information will be released on the district app. Anyone with questions can call 740-635-1713 or email brent.ripley@bridgeportschools.net.