LISBON — A new program is on the horizon at the Columbiana County Career and Technical, assistant superintendent Jeremy Corbisello reported during Tuesday’s Board of Education meeting.
Corbisello said the center has been investigating and learning how to best provide a criminal justice program at the high school level. Corbisello said high interest in the adult education police academy, which is in just its second year, and feedback from area high students prompted the center to consider implementing Criminal Justice.
“Every year as you know, sophomores visit in January and February,” Corbisello told the board. “We survey every student at the conclusion of their visit. We provide students a list of in-demand careers and ask if potential programs were available, what might they be interested in. For three years, the results have been pretty consistent. Fifty percent of sophomores indicated they would be interested in CJ.”
Corbisello said he had discussions with other career centers that offer criminal justice as well as with CCCTC adult ed coordinator Kelly Darney. He also met with the county sheriff and prosecutor to discuss course offerings and instructor requirements.
Corbisello said that in order to implement the program successfully, sophomores need to be recruited, a course of study needs to be built and more visits with other career and tech centers that have CJ programs need to take place to develop a day-to-day comprehensive plan.
Corbisello said the program is to teach students about the legal system., law enforcement, crime prevention and build a solid foundation for a career in criminal justice. Students will participate in simulated crime-scene investigations, forensic analysis and other hands-on activities that will prepare them for careers in security, dispatching or the police academy after graduation.
In money matters, the board approved the October operating bills of $846,465, the October financial statements, the five-year fiscal forecast and permission to designate Consumers National Bank as a depository of active and interim funds of the district for a five-year period.
Superintendent Chick Adkins presented several items for the board’s consideration — all of which were passed. James Fynes, Kenneth Kovalchik, Mark Adovasio and Casey Coie were all hired as adult education instructors. Employment for Taylor Williams (substitute certified/licensed personnel) and Lisa Brimmer as (classified substitute custodian) was also approved.
In other matters, a donation of BEE3 Radar Antenna, cabler, and tuning forks from Ohio Department of Public Safety to the Adult Education Police Academy Program was accepted.
