Fayette vo-tech to see enrollment increase
The Fayette County Vocational-Technical School Operating Committee learned Tuesday enrollment is expected to increase next year. Brian Reams, guidance counselor at the vo-tech, reported student enrollment will increase by at least 10 percent.
Reams said 192 students enrolled at the vo-tech during the 2006-2007 school year, noting that more than 200 students already submitted applications for the 2007- 2008 school year.
“We’re still receiving applications on a daily basis,” he said.
Reams said more than 500 students Albert Gallatin, Brownsville, Laurel Highlands and Uniontown high schools will take classes at the vo-tech next year.
According to Reams, 80 students from Albert Gallatin, 23 from Brownsville, 40 from Laurel Highlands and 70 from Uniontown have already submitted applications.
The vo-tech is open to students in grades 10 through 12.
Reams said he’s been fielding calls from parents and students who are interested in learning more about programs offered at the vo-tech.
For more information call the school at 724-437-2721.
As for other matters, the operating committee approved a tentative $5.2 million budget for the 2007-2008 school year, which includes a 3.5 mill increase in expenses.
Dr. Edward Jeffreys, vo-tech executive director, said the increase is the lowest in several years, noting that expenses usually rise above 5 mills.
The final budget will be approved by the board and adopted at a later date.
In other business, Jeffreys announced 10 of 18 programs currently offered at the vo-tech will next year provide students with certification in their area of study once the student completes the program.
Jeffreys said all vo-tech schools are being asked to provide programs that include certification for students.
In an unrelated issue, the operating committee agreed to purchase new equipment and pay to have pipe installed.
The committee unanimously agreed by a seven-to-zero vote to purchase 45 tables, 90 computer holders, 45 desk panels and 90 chairs for use with the new computers purchased for five classrooms from VIRCO Inc. at a cost not to exceed $25,083.
The committee also agreed to pay Patterson Construction $17,850 to install approximately 675 feet of 6-inch sewer pipe and demolish the existing sewage treatment plant.
The operating committee also conducted the following business:
– Named Francine Pavone and John Kopas III as treasurer and secretary as the operating committee, respectively.
– Approved the revised 2007-2008 school calendar for the vo-tech, with the first day of class beginning Aug. 27.
– Approved a memorandum of understanding between the vo-tech and the state police at the Uniontown barracks.
– Passed a motion that will change the delivery system for students arriving from Laurel Highlands from semester about to half day about for the 2007-2008 school year.
– Announced Rising Stars for the month of May are Wayne Workman, a graphic arts student from Uniontown Area High School, and Andrea Sabula, a culinary arts student from Laurel Highlands High School. Both students will receive a $25 gift certificate to Wal-Mart.