EDITOR’S NOTE: This is one in a series looking at what Lake County communities, agencies, and school districts experienced in 2025 and what they are facing in 2026.
It was a year of transition and continued growth for Auburn Career Center.
In fact, according to officials, the multidistrict vocational school was marked by stability, historic enrollment and major investment in 2025.
Additionally, one of the most significant milestones was the successful resolution of a long-standing lawsuit, allowing Auburn to move forward with clarity and renewed organizational focus, noted Superintendent Joe Glavan, who took over the role in August, following the retirement of Brian Bontempo.
Increased enrollment
“From an enrollment standpoint, Auburn reached historic levels,” Glavan said, “as Auburn served more than 900 high school students and over 1,100 adult students, making the past two years the highest enrollment in Auburn Career Center’s history since opening in 1965.
“And that growth reflects a clear message from students, families, and employers: career and technical education matters now more than ever.”
Overall, Auburn has experienced 36 percent enrollment growth over the past five years, “reflecting sustained demand for career-focused education.”
Key investments, notable success
Facility investments were another major highlight, officials noted, adding that the school completed or advanced more than $7 million in new projects, including the opening of a $3 million public safety building, expanding hands-on training for fire, EMS, EMT, and paramedic programs; and the continued renovation of a $4.2 million health care wing, directly supporting high-demand industry pathways with modern instructional and lab spaces.
“These investments are already paying dividends,” Glavan said. “Auburn recorded the highest enrollment in the history of its public safety programs, reaching full capacity in EMT, paramedic, Fire I, and Fire II during the Fall 2025 semester. Every investment we make, whether in facilities, programs, or partnerships, is about preparing students not just for their first job, but for long-term success in an evolving workforce.”
Student outcomes also remained exceptionally strong, he added, noting 99 percent of high school students earned at least one industry-recognized credential and 98 percent of graduates were employed, enrolled, or enlisted within six months.
Additionally, 85 percent of adult education students secured employment following program completion.
Auburn also expanded its commitment to community support and to modeling a “service-above-self” mindset for students through the launch of the Auburn Career Center Food Market.
In just three months, the school hosted four food distribution events and provided more than 48,000 pounds of produce to families in need.
In total, the market supported 796 families, reaching 2,657 individuals, including 985 children, 1,150 adults and 522 seniors.
“The initiative reinforces Auburn’s belief that student success is closely tied to meeting basic needs and strengthening the communities we serve,” Glavan said.
The next distribution is scheduled from noon to 2 p.m. Jan. 26 at the Auburn Career Center Public Safety Training Facility located at 10975 Girdled Road in Concord Township.
Challenges and adjustments
“Like many public education institutions, we faced challenges related to financial uncertainty, rising operational costs and statewide changes to property tax policy,” Glavan said. “Rather than reacting, we took a proactive approach, focusing on long-term sustainability, responsible planning and maximizing resources to ensure continued stability.
“Another key challenge was ensuring alignment and consistency across programs during a period of record enrollment and growth,” he continued. “To address this, Auburn intentionally used the second half of 2025 to step back, listen and plan. The organization conducted extensive research and sought direct input from students, parents, staff, community members, and business and industry partners to better understand needs, expectations, and opportunities.”
The collaborative effort is culminating in a new 2026-2029 Strategic Plan, scheduled for board approval in January.
The plan will provide a clear framework that connects fiscal responsibility, program alignment, workforce demand and student success — ensuring that decisions related to budgeting, facilities, staffing, and program expansion are coordinated and intentional.
“By grounding adjustments in stakeholder feedback and long-range planning, westrengthened internal systems while keeping student outcomes and community impact at the center of every decision,” Glavan said.
Looking ahead
In 2026, Auburn will launch several programs and facility initiatives designed to expand access, strengthen workforce alignment, and meet evolving community needs.
A major addition, officials noted, is the launch of NEO Works, a new Job Training Coordination program housed on the Auburn campus.
NEO Works is designed for students ages 16 to 21 with significant cognitive disabilities and combines community-based, on-the-job training with targeted classroom instruction focused on employability skills.
Students will receive individualized support to sustain competitive, integrated employment after exiting the program.
Auburn is also introducing an advanced machining and welding program, developed in direct response to feedback from employers and students.
The program will serve up to 96 students — 48 juniors and 48 seniors — and prepare them for both the manufacturing workforce and emerging technologies.
“Training will include manual mills and lathes, computer numerical control machining, as well as expanded exposure to electrical systems, robotics, and welding,” Glavan said. “Auburn is planning a significant investment in its advanced machining lab to ensure students train on industry-standard equipment.”
Additionally, based on student demand and feedback from local fire departments, the school will launch a new combined EMT and fire program for high school students.
The program embeds Fire I and Fire II training into the school day, eliminating separate summer coursework and reducing both time and financial barriers for families.
Auburn is also advancing plans for its Workforce Innovation Center, “a fiscally responsible reimagining of the campus’s existing two-story auditorium.”
The renovated space will serve as a modern regional hub supporting:
• Flexible training, conference, and meeting space for over 300 participants
• Professional development and leadership training
• Regional job fairs and career expos
• Shared space for chambers of commerce, economic development and civic partners
• Technology-enabled classrooms and hybrid meeting spaces
“Auburn’s strength comes from listening to our community,” Glavan said. “By working closely with students, families, educators, and employers, we’re building programs that truly meet the needs of Northeast Ohio today and into the future.”