Hi-Point board votes to implement welding program (Audio included)

Sep 26, 2013 12:13 AM

Nate Dunham

The Ohio Hi-Point Career Center Board of Education voted Wednesday to implement a welding program for the 2014-2015 school year.

Superintendent Jeff Price stated that the program is one that meets the needs of local manufacturers and is part of a trade that has an impact on the regional economy.

Some of the center's labs will see changes before the program becomes operational. The current auto services lab will be converted to the welding lab. The auto services program will move into the masonry lab. The masonry program will join the carpentry program in the construction trades department.

The renovations to the lab rooms will be conducted with budgeted funds from the general fund. The renovations and equipment to get the welding program operational will cost the center around $500,000.

The board approved the fiscal year 2014 appropriations. All of the district's appropriations this year amount to $13,775,170.81. The general fund accounts for around $12 million dollars of the appropriations.

Treasurer Eric Adelsberger discusses the appropriations and the finances for the welding program.

The board conducted an evaluation of Superintendent Price and gave him an "Overall Excellent" rating.

Board President Anne Reames comments on the evaluation.

A couple satellite instructors were hired. Rob Dickerson was hired to be a business instructor at Graham and Breck Finch will be the agriculture instructor at Upper Scioto Valley.

Superintendent Jeff Price comments on the welding program and the instructors.

The board recognized the September Students of the Month. Dustin Wooten, a health technology II student from West Liberty-Salem, and Ellie Skinner, a cosmetology II student from Marysville, received the honor.

The career center will hold a public hearing on October 16th during a board work session. The board will consider rehiring retired instructor Pamela Clark into the same position at part-time. The public is welcome to attend the hearing.

The Ohio Hi-Point Career Center Board of Education will meet again on October 23rd at 7 pm.