MOUNT VERNON — The addition of a sports medicine program to the courses offered at the career center was discussed when the Knox County Career Center Board of Education met in regular session Tuesday.
Jeff Lavin, principal of curriculum and instruction at the career center, said the exploratory course would teach students about wellness and fitness careers, exercise science and related topics. Students could potentially earn personal trainer certification, and the program could be a stepping stone to adult education programs such as massage therapist, physical therapy assistant or even nursing fields. The board gave its approval to continue development work on the program, with the goal of having it up and running by the start of the 2010-11 school year.
Mike Warbel, principal of student services, talked about a new virtual learning program now available to KCCC students. Called the A+ Program, the 25 online courses can be used by students for credit recovery or to complete classes — such as U.S. history, algebra II and geometry — required by their home schools for graduation that can’t currently fit into their KCCC schedules. Warbel said the classes can also be accessed from the student’s home computer as well as at the school, and there is a voice-capable option that can “read” the material to the students.
Adult education director Jane Marlow reported that Judy Blandi, an instructor in the practical nursing program, was instrumental in helping the Ohio Eastern Star Home achieve a grant to build the Glen A. Gallagher Center. Blandi wrote a letter in support of the expansion and the clinical experience opportunities Ohio Eastern Star provides for nursing students. Once complete, the center will have a classroom and meeting space which can be utilized by KCCC nursing students and instructors.
Besides approving routine fiscal actions, the board accepted the donation of flower stands and plants for the Children’s Garden from Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Clifton, and $5,000 from the Richard and Arline J. Landers Foundation to the Knox County Career Center Adult Education program for ongoing operations. Due to a $56,000 decrease in state funding for the preschool program, the board amended the appropriations for that program to reflect the decrease. Superintendent Bernie Pachmayer said there have been some realignments of preschool staff as a result. The board also approved a one-time $250 stipend for any eligible teacher who qualifies to enter the Master Teacher Program, and authorized the sale of surplus equipment.
Regarding personnel, the board approved a list of day school instructors and adult education programs and personnel, youth club advisors for the 2009-10 school year, and advisory committee lists from each program. It also approved an EMIS coordinator position and authorized Pachmayer to begin the search for a qualified candidate.
Other actions taken by the board included the approval of an adult education manufacturing technology program, the science course of study and a number of field trips. The board also authorized the superintendent to approve appropriate field trips that fall between scheduled board meetings.
The building trades and carpentry programs were featured at the meeting. Instructors Colby Clippinger and Keith Chester, along with students Dan Stratford and Sheldon Lewis, talked about current projects and future plans for the programs.
Prior to adjournment, the board changed the time of its October and November meetings. The Oct. 27 meeting will start at 5 p.m. and the Nov. 24 meeting will begin at 1 p.m.
