Harrison Hills to launch animal sciences program with JVSD

The Harrison Hills City School District Board of Education has authorized the purchase of the former Cadiz Animal Clinic and will partner with the Belmont-Harrison Joint Vocational School District to launch an animal sciences curriculum pathway beginning in the 2026-27 school year.

The two-year program will provide students with hands-on learning and career preparation while earning additional science credits. Unlike traditional models, the partnership will allow Harrison Central Jr./Sr. High School students to remain enrolled at their home campus while selecting the animal sciences pathway for science credit.

The building will be renovated to meet instructional and facility needs, creating a modern, fully equipped space for students to explore animal sciences and related fields.

“This partnership gives our students the chance to build career skills while staying connected to their school and classmates at Harrison Central,” Harrison Hills Superintendent Duran Morgan said. “Our focus is on creating opportunities that lead to career credentials and employment options after graduation.”

At the conclusion of the program, students from Harrison Central, the Harrison Career Center and the Belmont Career Center will graduate with career credentials in animal sciences, providing them with a competitive edge as they enter the workforce or pursue higher education.

The program comes at a time when Ohio faces a shortage of veterinary technicians and other animal science professionals. With strong demand projected to continue, careers in veterinary technology and animal care offer strong long-term opportunities. Local student interest in the field has also been high, making the new pathway a timely addition to district offerings.

“This partnership reflects our shared commitment to innovative programming that meets both student interests and local workforce needs,” Belmont-Harrison Joint Vocational School District Superintendent Heather Austin said. “By working together, we are expanding opportunities in ways that benefit the entire region.”

Details on enrollment, curriculum and credentialing will be shared with students and families during the 2025-26 school year.