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ECLC Expansion Groundbreaking
The Bolivar R-1 School District is excited to announce that construction has begun on a major expansion to the Bolivar Schools Early Childhood Learning Center (ECLC). The district celebrated the official groundbreaking for the project on October 1st, marking the start of a transformative $3 million addition made possible through a 2025 budget appropriation by the State of Missouri.
This state-of-the-art facility will address the growing demand for early childhood care while opening the door for Bolivar High School students to explore careers in early childhood education. As part of this vision, the district is working to strengthen its partnership with Ozarks Technical Community College to create dual-credit and pathway opportunities for future educators.
The addition to the ECLC will feature classrooms, training spaces, and resources designed to support students pursuing advanced degrees and certifications while also enhancing the learning environment for Bolivar’s youngest learners.
“We are thrilled to partner with the State of Missouri to bring this opportunity to our community,” said Dr. Michael Methvin, Superintendent of Bolivar R-1 Schools. “With the groundbreaking complete and construction now underway, this project will strengthen our Early Childhood Learning Center and serve as a vital investment in the future of education in our area. We’re grateful to Governor Parson and the state legislature for their support in making this possible.”
Ozarks Technical is collaborating with the Bolivar R-1 School District to finalize plans that will offer Bolivar High School students college-level coursework in Early Childhood Education. This expansion creates a meaningful opportunity to address critical workforce needs in the early childhood sector. Plans are underway to begin offering coursework during the 2026–27 school year, providing a direct pathway for students interested in careers in education.