School district's Lawrence Education Center is closing; will collaborate with LLCC

A Springfield District 186 program that caters to adults seeking a high school diploma and other workforce services is shutting its doors after the school year.

Staff members at Lawrence Education Center were informed about the decision from building administration last week, according to Lawrence Education Center's workplace coordinator Alex Rockford.

Rockford went public with the announcement during a public comment section at Tuesday's committee of the whole meeting. The COW is the working group of the Springfield City Council.

More: Purchase of building will help put D186 administration under one roof

"I'm devastated for our students," Rockford told The State Journal-Register afterwards. "I'm devastated for the opportunities our school provided. I'm devastated for our staff that no longer has employment in this capacity."

Lincoln Land Community College has an adult education program that has some overlap, Rockford said, but "isn't synonymous with Lawrence."

Rockford said she has often sent students to LLCC's program and has "a good working relationship" with it.

Rachel Dyas, a spokeswoman for District 186, said in a statement that it had collaborated with LLCC and the District will still serve as a liaison to support students in gaining access to LLCC programming. The District also will use its communications platforms to support LLCC.

In the past, Dyas said that the adult education grant available from the Illinois Community College Board was held separately by the District and LLCC to the detriment of both programs.

"After attending conferences for adult education programming, the shift has moved from school districts having adult education programming to community colleges serving in this role as they have more resources and career programming readily available upon completion," Dyas said.

The goal, she added, is for the District to work with LLCC and utilize its GED/equivalency program for District identified as "qualifying candidates."

LLCC, said spokeswoman Kyla Kruse, has "a long and successful history of providing high school diploma (GED) preparation along with career exploration for community residents, and we’re ready to assist students in D186 and throughout our college district.

"At LLCC, we are also able to provide bridge programming through workforce and health care training so that graduates can attain certificates, industry recognized credentials and ultimately employment."

Dontell Young of Springfield went through Lawrence Education Center and is set to graduate later this month.

Young said some people might not feel comfortable going to LLCC.

"Lawrence Adult was like a second home. It was a family. They helped me get through everything," said Young, who is getting his certified nursing assistant license through Fishes & Loaves Outreach in Springfield.

Several Lawrence Education Center students, including Young, and staff members attended Tuesday's meeting.

Ward 2 Ald. Shawn Gregory said the closing was "a gut punch to our community."

Lawrence Education Center and the Springfield Learning Academy moved to White Oaks Mall last summer, becoming the first Simon Youth School program in Illinois. Simon Property Group operates the mall.

"It's sad to see Lawrence shut its doors because I've seen what an impact it has and what it means to our students," Rockford said. "We're trying to get the last of our students through and find options for those who may not graduate and be able to provide the support that's needed. It is a family at Lawrence. We pour into these students every day. We build those relationships because sometimes we know they just need that one person who believes in them and that's what's going to get them that secondary completion and building a better life."

Springfield Education Association President Aaron Graves confirmed that while Lawrence Education Center teachers are "supported," they are not represented by the union.

Last summer, Graves expressed concern about the relationship between the district and Simon Properties, questioning if it was about filling "real estate vacancy."

The board of education last June approved a seven-year lease with Simon Properties. This school year, the District is paying $144,000 to lease the space, which formerly housed ITT Technical Institute.

Both programs had previously been located at 101 E. Laurel St.

"(When it comes to corporate partnerships), please consider always that we're making the right decisions that are truly best for our students and our staff," Graves told the board at the time.

Lawrence Education Center's final graduation is set for May 31.

Contact Steven Spearie: 217-622-1788; sspearie@sj-r.com; X, twitter.com/@StevenSpearie.

This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: Lawrence Education Center in Springfield, Illinois is closing