Mansfield’s monthly board of education meeting focused heavily on the successes and opportunities available from Career Tech programs offered through Senior High. To do that, they invited Career Tech’s retired director, and now consultant, Denny Snyder to speak.
Currently, 13 programs and two Foundations programs are offered to youth in grades 9-12 at Mansfield Senior High. There is also an eighth grade engineering exploratory program. According to Snyder, 54 percent of grades from 8th to 12th will be exposed to Career Tech programs.
Each program is set up in a way that gives students real world training and college credit. In some cases, a program has the potential to offer students 1,000 hours of real world training, which in turn can count toward a specific job.
“These opportunities are a real benefit to kids,” said Snyder. “The ones who jump on this are at a tremendous advantage because they receive training and college credit. That could mean thousands of dollars.”
In the future, the Career Tech programs hope to work with local colleges like The Ohio State University and North Central State College. They also hope to work in conjunction with local businesses that offer internship opportunities.
After addressing the board, Snyder commented, “Unfortunately not too many know about this.”
Board president Chris Elswick replied, “Unfortunately, I think you’re right. We offer as many opportunities as any other school. Our teachers are doing great jobs getting our students ready.”
Superintendent Brian Garverick highlighted two areas of interest regarding contracts signed with the district: agreements with ongoing services with Ashland University, and the Algebra Project.
Ashland University is offering Reading Recovery services to students, which is being taught in part by Mansfield City Schools’ Teacher Leaders. These individuals will be reimbursed by Ashland University 25 percent of the teachers’ salary for the 2013-2014 school year.
Also, the Algebra Project was approved to continue receiving grant money. The money will be used to provide professional development to the initiative. The amount allocated to the group will be $16,324.
For more information on what is currently happening in Mansfield City Schools, visit their website or call 419-525-6400.
“These opportunities are a real benefit to kids,” said Denny Snyder. “The ones who jump on this are at a tremendous advantage because they receive training and college credit. That could mean thousands of dollars.”