Bridgeport Exempted Village School District Curriculum Director Leslie Kosanovic, left, and Technology Director Lisa Clark speak about some of the opportunities to be offered in an upcoming multipurpose facility. The board of education, pictured, and Superintendent Brent Ripley held the first of three public meetings Thursday. (Photo Provided)

Teamwork has been the watchword since Bridgeport Exempted Village School District announced approval of $13.8 million in state funding for a 28,500-square-foot addition dubbed “the Bridge.” During the first of three meetings Thursday, the public got an in-depth look at plans and gave input on the facility that aims to change the face of Bridgeport.

The district is also seeking additional Appalachian Regional Commission funding to enhance the Bridge with more adult workforce training opportunities. The board will submit the ARC grant application mid-February and expect to hear the decision by late March or early April. Two more upcoming meetings at 6 p.m. Jan. 15 and 11 a.m. Jan. 25 will cover this.

The project must serve education, workforce development and health care needs. Since the summer when it was announced, the district has met with community partners and service providers.

Superintendent Brent Ripley welcomed the public Thursday and shared a series of templates showing how plans have evolved.

“It’s with a lot of pride that we get to present to you the work that we’ve done so far,” he said. “We’re trying to be very purposeful in how we spend every single dollar that we’ve been given. Every space has a purpose here.”

He walked attendees through prospective blueprints, pointing out the high priority on security with controlled entrances and exits and strict separation of students and adults.

“We really took safety as seriously as we could,” he said.

The Bridge will be constructed in front of the elementary school and will likely be two stories, with 45 additional community parking spaces. Two playgrounds and a basketball court may also be added through a separate project if the district secures grant funds.

Options include more classes in science, technology, engineering, art and math, more opportunities for College Credit Plus, and a student-run coffee bar. The Medicaid-funded state program OhioRISE (Resilience through Integrated Systems and Excellence), which connects children and families with needed resources, will also extend services from its on-campus office.

Ripley expounded on educational benefits such as workforce credentialing for students and adults. The goal is seniors who graduate with skills and credentials to step into the workforce or continue their education.

Health options include exercise space and a possible elevated walking track. The district is partnering with Ohio Hills Health Centers to offer basic medical and dental services two days per week at a discounted rate. Southeast Healthcare, which already operates on campus, will expand services into the Bridge. Public day care will be offered through the Experience Church. Ripley said the district could potentially offer care, services and opportunities from birth through school and beyond.

The Bridge will also host Silver Sneakers activity programs for seniors, with space for pickleball and a golf simulator. Ripley said there would also be opportunities for organizations such as the Rotary club to get in touch with the student Interact Club and encourage community involvement.

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 the district office at 740-635-1713 or email brent.ripley@bridgeportschools.net.

Ripley said community feedback is always welcome. The public is asked to attend the Jan. 15 and Jan. 25 meetings.