Nov 23, 2005 By Steve Ostrosky 3 min read

GEORGES TWP. – Members of the Fayette County Area Vocational-Technical School approved a feasibility study that could transform a building on the school grounds into the home of a training program for heavy equipment operations and preventative maintenance. Committee members approved the study, completed by Thomas & Williamson engineers and architects of Pittsburgh, at their meeting Tuesday evening.

Dr. Edward Jeffreys, acting director, said last month that students who enter the program would be eligible to attend the Western Pennsylvania Operating Engineers’ apprenticeship program free of charge and would be paid.

He said the building could house different programs based on workforce needs in the region.

Jeffreys said he will ask the committee next month for approval to solicit bids for the project, which has an estimated cost of $112,000. The costs can be reduced by about 25 percent if some of the work is done with in-house staff, he said.

In another matter, committee member Dorothy Grahek suggested that members re-allocate money that had been used for board travel to a student activity fund.

Grahek asked Jeffreys to see how much money would be available for the fund, which could be used to help students attend different events throughout the academic year. She said she has given her reimbursement back to the school through the student council or another organization.

“That money should be used for the kids to have their work represented or to represent themselves,” she said. “This is why we’re here, for the kids.”

Members approved the motion unanimously, while Tammy Boyle, John Evans and Palmer Sabatine were absent Monday.

Committee members also granted tenure to David Bowers, graphic arts instructor, granted cosmetology instructor a sabbatical leave for the remainder of the school year, and accepted the resignation of Donna Heintz as Perkins grant coordinator for the 2005-06 school year.

Members recognized sophomore student Dawn Dancer, a health occupations student from Albert Gallatin Area Senior High School, who was one of five statewide winners in an essay contest marking Health Careers Awareness Week.

Dancer received $100, and certificates from state Sen. Richard Kasunic (D-Dunbar) and state Rep. Larry Roberts (D-South Union). Jeffreys presented her with an Outstanding Student Achievement Award for her effort.

“We’re very proud of you,” he said. “This is something very good for our school.”

Committee members also took a moment to thank outgoing member Charles Castor of the Uniontown Area School Board for his years of service to the vo-tech.

Castor was honored with a standing ovation as well as a plaque from the school administration, staff, students and board.

“I wanted to be a school director to help the children, and it was great to hear tonight about one of our students who performed so well,” he said.

Edward Andria, who chairs the committee, thanked Castor for his service to the school.

“You’ve been very dedicated and it’s been nice working with you,” he said. “We’re going to miss you.”

The committee will meet Dec. 12 at 6 p.m. for the annual reorganization, followed by the monthly business meeting.