Rolling Forward: How Jefferson County’s “IQ Cube” Is Bringing Innovation to the Most Remote Roads in West Virginia
In rural education, access isn’t a given—it’s a design challenge.
That’s exactly what I set out to solve when I led the full design and build-out of Jefferson County Schools’ first-ever mobile learning center: the IQ Cube. This wasn’t a retrofit—it was a ground-up transformation of a decommissioned school bus into a dynamic, tech-enabled outreach vehicle, delivering services where students need them most.
I directly managed the entire project—from sketching out the first draft on paper to coordinating vendors, selecting materials, designing the layout, and overseeing the wrap and HVAC install. What we built is more than a mobile classroom—it’s a symbol of what rural education can look like when mobility meets imagination.
From Yellow Bus to Rolling Innovation Lab
The IQ Cube started life as a standard school bus headed for retirement. But with vision and coordination, we transformed it into a vibrant, mobile outreach tool supporting literacy nights, tech access, and wraparound support in underserved communities.
Key features I oversaw:
Interior redesign: Installed new flooring, built custom cabinetry, created flexible learning spaces with seating and workstation zones.
Climate and comfort: Directed the installation of a dual-zone mini-split HVAC unit for four-season use.
Power system: Outfitted the vehicle with generator power and plug-in capability to run off-grid programming in remote areas.
Exterior wrap: Led the branding and design of a colorful, welcoming wrap that reflects community, language diversity, and creativity.
Project Realities: What It Takes to Go Mobile
Mobile doesn’t mean simple. Here are some of the real-world factors I had to navigate:
Height matters: Rural roads often mean low-clearance bridges. I personally routed the bus path and ensured our build height stayed under critical limits.
Heat and cold: Without insulation and climate control, mobile classrooms become unusable. HVAC was a non-negotiable and required tailored installation.
Durability meets design: I selected commercial finishes that balance aesthetics with ruggedness for high-traffic student use.
Every inch counts: When space is limited, every cabinet, seat, and outlet has to earn its place—so I laid out the floor plan with versatility in mind.
Total Budget: $60,000
This project stayed lean without cutting corners:
Bus acquisition and prep: ~$10,000
Interior construction: ~$25,000
Power and HVAC systems: ~$15,000
Exterior wrap and branding: ~$10,000
Why It Matters
In Jefferson County, where school buildings don’t always reach every family, the IQ Cube flips the equation: we don’t wait for students to show up—we show up for them.
This project is a model for what rural school systems can do with the right vision, leadership, and investment. It’s about more than mobility—it’s about meeting learners where they are and showing them their future can start right in their neighborhood.
And it’s just the beginning.