PIQUA — The Upper Valley Career Center Board of Education met Monday, Feb. 27, to conduct its monthy business.
During the meeting, the board approved the 2017-2018 Satellite programs fee schedule as well as the 2017-18 high school calendar.
Zac Gordon, Landscape student, and John Krietzer, Landscape instructor, updated the board on their attendance at the G.R.O.W. conference. The annual national conference for landscape professionals was held in Dayton last month. Gordon was one of four students to receive a scholarship to attend and the only high school student. Gordon discussed sessions he attended at the conference that focused on strategies for expanding a business, recruiting and developing a professional image.
During the meeting, Jason Haak and Roger Voisard described the vision for the Mobile Lab being recommended for purchase. The trailer will be outfitted with simulation equipment that reflects the UVCC’s various career programs. Grant funds have been received that will support these equipment purchases. Having the mobile lab available will allow Upper Valley Career Center to provide experiential activities at area schools, especially elementary and middle schools, as well as at various community events.
Board member’s Eric Ditmer summarized a report on the state’s takeover of the Youngstown School District and reflected on the critical role of local board members in providing strong leadership.
Superintendent’s Dr. Nancy Luce announced that Randy Sailor and Maria Brewer were recognized by OSBA for the longevity of their board service. Sailor has served on the MidWest Regional ESC Board for 20 years and Brewer has served on the Bradford Board for 10 years. Both were commended for their commitment to their associate boards but also their dedication to the Upper Valley Career Center Board.
Dr. Luce also reported:
• On March 16, the newly selected Distinguished Alumni will receive their awards at 4:30 p.m. in the Adams Board Room. The award ceremony will be followed by an All Chamber Business after Hours from 5-7 p.m. to celebrate the award winners as well as provide an opportunity for the community to visit the new Makerspace/Fab Lab.
• Updated the board on the progress of the workgroup appointed to review and recommend changes to the state’s graduation requirements for the class of 2018.
• UV Career Center Executive Director Jason Haak and Luce met with legislators during the annual Career Technical Educators’ Legislative Seminar held in January.
Operations Director Pat Gibson also provided a construction update on House No. 18 being built by the construction programs. Due to warm weather, progress has been steady, he said.
Gisbson also shared information on:
• Information about security devices being considered.
• Floor plans and a conceptual drawing of the Vet Science facility were reviewed. Haak said he and Michelle Brunson have worked closely with the architects to develop this proposal following visits to a number of Vet Science programs throughout the state. The floor plans and conceptual drawing are evolving and will be thoroughly vetted with the advisory committee.
The board then approved the purchase order to Jason Dietsch Sales in the amount not to exceed $32,000 for the purchase of a 30-foot enclosed trailer to be used for the Mobile Fab Lab.
Donations noted include:
• The front end of a Minneapolis Moline Model Z tractor, onated By Tony Mangen to be used by the Ag. Power Technologies program
• $75 donated By: Tim Williams to be used by the FFA organization
• A Frigidaire dehumidifier, donated by Rod Schmidt to be used by the HVACR program
• $100 donated by an anonymous donor to be used for Project SEARCH
• 26 pairs of steel toe work boots donated by Perrigo, LLC to be used by the Student Assistance Center as needed
• 25 8-inch 2 lamp t-8 lights (TL 1 32 Mvolt GEBlOISH) donated by Becker Electric Supply to be used by the Electrical Trades SkillsUSA program
• Five variable frequency drives 480v donated by Panel Control, Inc. to be used by the Electrical Trades SkillsUSA program
• Samsung Smart TV donated by Troy and Sidney CARSTAR to be used as a give-away for Explore Careers Day
• $1,000 donated by Precision Strip Inc. to be used for GRADS seminars and GRADS seminar auctions
• 1998 Pontiac Trans Am donated by Sinclair Community College, donation on loan to the Automotive Technologies SkillsUSA program to be returned when use is complete
• Eight bench top surface plates donated by DRT Power Systems to be used by the Manufacturing and Machining Technologies program
The board also approved the following out-of-district learning opportunities/out-of-state travel:
• Environmental Occupations instructors Jim Metz and Michaella Quinter and 10 students to participate in the Yellowstone Study Experience from Sept. 13-22. The costs for the students will not exceed $17,000 and the costs for the staff will not exceed $5,900. Funding for the students is covered by the Harstein-Favorite Grant and the contributions of the individual students. The board will cover the expenses of the staff.
• Ralph Ash, Design and Digital Print Technologies instructor, to attend the PROScreen Professional Screen Making by SAATI Workshop from March 10-11 in Decatur, Ind. The cost to the district for lodging, registration and all travel expenses will not exceed $300.
• Scott Nail, HVAC-R instructor, to attend The HVAC Excellence National HVAC-R Educators and Trainers Conference from March 27-29 in Orlando, Fla. The cost for this trip for lodging, registration and all travel expenses will not exceed $1,340. A portion of the expenses will be paid by the Emerson Grant.
