How an Unused Office Became Marion High's Center for Student Success

As a counselor in a high school without a devoted space for his specialty, Tom Kettman has been wanting a career and coursework center for quite some time.

The issue was, there was never any budget for it, neither was there a location they could establish the center.

So, instead of buying new computers, they took unused computer aided design machines. They gutted an unused office, hired a carpenter and transformed it into what is now the called the "Student Success Center." This is a multipurpose room with computers that are loaded with educational software.

"We just gutted the whole thing out," Kettman said. "It wasn’t a great space, but it is a space we can use. "

The center is outfitted for a number of tasks. Students can take advance placement tests, remedial classes and fill in college applications, among other things.

Additionally, students can take courses on the computer to get credit they may have missed due to a prolonged period of absence. 

So far, Kettman said it has been a huge help getting students through classes.

Marion Independent Superintendent Sarah Pinion said the success center is especially useful as students explore their career and college options without needing to go to the counseling office.