LISBON – Expanding programs to meet expanding technology was discussed at the Columbiana County Career and Tech Center Board’s April meeting on Tuesday. Superintendent Chuck Adkins asked the board to consider a resolution, which was unanimously approved, to take steps toward benefitting from funding set aside through a budget proposal from Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine. A total of $300 million is proposed for career tech center improvements with $200 million earmarked for career tech construction and $100 million for equipment.
“We are exploring expansion of the auto program and to encompass EV (Electric Vehicle) technology. We are also looking at the expansion of solar with our construction tech and also maybe give them some outside space,” Adkins said. “Inside the building we are looking at expanding our interactive media and we are looking into getting into intel and cyber security. If we could get some funding to expand those programs, it would be nice because we cannot do that on our own. It’s nice that that (the state) looks at career tech in that way to be able to potentially fund us.”
Assistant superintendent Jeremy Corbisello wished luck to the county representatives at the Ohio SkillsUSA competition set for Tuesday and Wednesday in Columbus. The competition brings over 5,000 competitors, business and industry partners, instructors, and vendors together in over 100 contests in all 16 career pathways to showcase career and technical education in Ohio. Students compete for the title of best in the state in their respective career fields.
“We have 23 of our students participating at the state level,” Corbisello said. “Hopefully, we will get some students that make it to nationals as we did last year.
Corbisello also reported the senior awards program will take place at 6 p.m. on May 16, recognizing students from Beaver Local, Columbiana, East Palestine, Leetonie and Southern and May 17 for students from Salem, Crestview, Lisbon, United and Wellsville.
In adult education news, the CCCTC Police Academy was highlighted. The program, which is a Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy (OPOTA), can be completed in nine months, ending with an OPOTA Certificate. For more information, contact Kevin at (330) 424-9561 extension 176.
The board made several personnel decisions, approving the contracts of licensed staff members Richard DeSalvo, John Klein, Christy Mays, Brian Neff, Chris Schreffler, and Jeffery Williams. Two-year contracts were also approved for custodians Trent Adams, Miranda Hanley and Isaac Reynolds. The board also approved to employ 16 substitutes for the 2023-24 school year.
In business matters, the board approved the March operating budget of $702,574.90, the March financial report and the student insurance program through the Student Protective Agency based in Coshocton.
The board also passed acceptance of a donation of pipe coupons and various supplies from TUV Rheinland Company of Aliquippa, Pa. to the welding program and approved the adult education calendar.
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