SODA SPRINGS — As part of his ongoing mission to enhance practical education, Soda Springs High School Principal Jess McMurray has secured a major boost to the school’s career and technical education (CTE) programs with the opening of a new 7,200-square-foot building. The expansion focuses on training students in welding, auto mechanics, construction, and bench carpentry—skills directly relevant to local employment needs, including Caribou County’s mining, construction, and agriculture industries.

McMurray, reflecting on the challenges faced by many young adults entering the workforce, shared, “Thirty-five percent of those holding college degrees do not find employment in their field of study. We need practical skills – no matter what our educational background may be.”

Rather than wait for opportunities to come, McMurray took proactive steps to make his vision a reality. He contacted R&M Steel Company, a Caldwell-based firm specializing in pre-engineered metal buildings. The company’s response was unexpected but immensely generous. “What do you need? What would you like? What is your fantasy?” they asked, and they turned McMurray’s dreams into reality by awarding a grant for the construction of the new facility.

The new building, constructed with the help of local partners like Bayer and Simplot, who provided new welding equipment, has been designed to maximize learning opportunities. Students participated in the hands-on work to help finish the interior, including adding insulation and walls with corrugated steel. The total value of the project is estimated to exceed $1.2 million, funded by donations, grants, and the support of the community.

While the building itself is an important step forward, McMurray emphasized the importance of dedicated staff to run the programs. Currently, Scott Evans, a full-time welding instructor, leads the program, with Tracy Davis and Alan Erickson adding part-time expertise in construction and auto mechanics. The school’s new facility doubles the size of the previous space, now offering far more capacity for hands-on training.

The facility, which is scheduled to open in fall 2025, has already begun to make an impact. Enrollment in the CTE program has increased compared to the previous school year, indicating a growing interest in the hands-on career opportunities that McMurray has worked so hard to provide. Among the students benefiting from this expansion is senior Payson Hatch, who is preparing for a future that includes both farming and cosmetology. Hatch practices her welding skills at the school’s new shop, where students gain valuable skills they can use immediately after graduation.

McMurray’s ambitious plans have not only benefited students but also the local community, which has seen an expansion in workforce readiness. With two large overhead doors added to the facility, the building is also set to accommodate larger vehicle frames, sheds, and potentially even tiny homes for local residents.

“Nothing can be done without personnel, even with the best building,” McMurray noted, and it’s clear that the community’s contributions—both financial and professional—are key to ensuring that the facility will provide long-term benefits for students and the wider area. Through this new expansion, Soda Springs High School is offering students a broader range of career paths and practical skills, with a focus on local industries that need skilled workers.

The construction of the new facility also signals a larger trend in education, where practical, hands-on learning is gaining more attention. McMurray’s approach to improving career-focused education is rooted in his belief that students deserve opportunities to gain skills that will allow them to thrive locally. In a region with strong ties to agriculture and construction, offering a trade-oriented education offers students the opportunity to stay in the area, directly contributing to the local economy.

Soda Springs High School’s efforts have received widespread community support. The school has a long history of providing high-quality education, and with this new building, it is positioning itself to meet the growing demand for skilled tradespeople. Local businesses in Caribou County are eager to hire graduates from the program, providing students with clear pathways from education to employment.

McMurray’s story of persistence, community collaboration, and innovative thinking demonstrates the power of education when it is grounded in the real needs of students and the local community. By expanding trades education and providing valuable skills, Soda Springs High School is helping students make more informed decisions about their futures while also contributing to the growth of local industries.

Originally reported by Kathi Lzatt in East Idaho News.