LOCATION
Versailles, Ohio
COMPLETION
2024
SCOPE
Renovation & New Construction
Versailles Exempted Village Schools completed a $9.4 million renovation that included two separate additions on opposite sides of their building. This roughly 41,000 sq. ft. expansion was driven by growth in the Future Farmers of America (FFA), Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) and music programs. With a strong network of local businesses and manufacturing facilities eager to hire local talent, the school aimed for flexible spaces where community partners could provide real-world training on modern equipment to prepare students for future careers.
Originally, FFA and Industrial Arts (including STEM and robotics) shared a space. With the new STEM addition, FFA now occupies most of the renovated area, with upgrades to its food science classroom with kitchen equipment, a reorganized shop, additional welding bays, and expanded mezzanine storage designed for efficiency and accessibility.
“We focus on providing solid, real-world applications for student learning,” said Versailles Superintendent David Harmon in an October 2024 blog article from Midmark Corp., a local manufacturing leader of medical equipment that invests in the region’s STEM education opportunities. “We want to create students who are effective problem solvers, critical thinkers, excellent collaborators and communicators.”
The Midmark article, which can be accessed by clicking here, highlights the Oct. 21, 2024, Versailles Technology Center ribbon-cutting ceremony that was attended by Ohio STEM and Department of Education leaders, as well as school board members, staff and students.
The nearly 10,000 sq. ft. STEM addition features a classroom, robotics labs, and an open, flexible lab space. Exposed ceiling structures meet height requirements for specialized programming, such as a drone flight course and state-of-the-art golf simulator. Large interior windows provide visibility between classrooms and labs, fostering collaboration and supervision. The lab also features retractable ceiling-mounted power cords, allowing for adaptable equipment placement. All exterior and interior finishes match the existing school to ensure a seamless transition.
The project also features a 31,000 sq. ft. band addition and an expansion housing a modern weight room, entrance lobby, and group restrooms. The new high school band classroom includes practice rooms, as well as storage for instruments, uniforms, and music. Direct outdoor access accommodates marching band rehearsals. The existing band room was repurposed to house some of their other growing music programs.
“We believe that when we give students high levels of engagement through meaningful educational opportunities, such as in our STEM programming, it naturally results in high levels of achievement,” Harmon said. “Most importantly, we believe we’re preparing our students for the world they’ll inherit once they leave our halls and classrooms. That’s what ultimately matters.”
