MEXICO – Nearly 200 students have pre-enrolled in one of Region 9’s seven vocational programs, the highest number ever in the school’s more than 25 years.
Director David Driscoll said 191 students from SADs 21, 43 and 44 have shown they want to learn a job skill, a trend he said that seems to be growing.
“People are seeing the value in trades training. You can’t offshore a trades job,” he said.
When secondary and adult education students begin or return to the school on Aug. 31, they will find several newly painted classrooms and a few new faces among the 21 full-time and seven part-time professional and support staff.
Longtime adult and community education director Nancy Murphy of Bethel retired this summer from her position. In her place will be Nancy Allen of Wilton, who has served as full-time adult education teacher for the past two years.
Hired to take Allen’s position is Michelle Moffitt of Livermore Falls. A new educational technician with responsibilities in computer support and adult education is expected to be hired within a few days. That person will replace Cheryl Lord.
The 30 or so students who have enrolled in diversified occupations will have a new classroom setup next to the main school building. A modular classroom is being used under a lease/purchase agreement for about $44,000 over five years. Students had been meeting in the basement of the school until the State Fire Marshal’s Office required that they be moved because of exit problems.
Driscoll said he believes that during this school year, the board and voters will decide the future direction of the vocational school.
The region is looking into several possible options for building expansion or renovation. But first, said Driscoll, he and the board want to learn from member district superintendents the types of new vocational programs that could complement what is offered within their districts. He also plans to gather labor market statistics that could support new vocational programs, and will soon have the results of student surveys showing their desires for new vocational program offerings.
“All this plays into our space needs,” he said.
Residents may vote on whether to expand, renovate or relocate sometime next winter or spring.
“This will be the year. Any decision the board makes must go before voters,” he said.
Driscoll was hired to lead the vocational school in December 2004.
“There is a really good staff here who know their topics,” he said.
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