Last week, the General Assembly passed the biennial budget and concluded the 2013 legislative session. The budget includes funding for a new Ivy Tech Community College campus in Noblesville, said State Sen. Luke Kenley (R-Noblesville). Kenley said this state appropriation has the potential to greatly benefit Hamilton County.
“Ivy Tech has estimated that only 30 percent of instructional demand is currently met by courses taught in Hamilton County,” he said. “With the addition of a new Ivy Tech campus, students will have access to flexible, affordable higher education without having to commute or take classes online. This is an opportunity for our community to expand its educational resources, serving both local students and students from other counties.”
As passed, the budget appropriates $12 million to fund renovations to what is currently Noblesville East Middle School. Along with local funds, this money would pay to move the building’s students to Noblesville High School’s Freshman Campus to pave the way for the facility’s use as a new Ivy Tech campus. Once the building is renovated, Ivy Tech will pay all building and maintenance costs, plus all operational costs in the future.
“Ivy Tech is excited about future opportunities in Hamilton County and is very appreciative of our partnership with Noblesville Schools, the City of Noblesville and Hamilton County,” Jeff Terp, Ivy Tech senior vice president of engagement and institutional efficiency, said. “We look forward to helping create jobs and economic development opportunities for the region.”
State funding is contingent upon the Noblesville Schools referendum passing on May 7.
