Jun 3, 2010 By Christine Haines 4 min read

The Uniontown and Laurel Highlands school districts are looking into collaborative efforts for several programs, including an expanded career technology program. Uniontown Area Superintendent Dr. Charles Machesky emphasized that the program, if implemented, is meant to enhance the current vo-tech program, not to replace it.

“The current vo-tech program will not be impacted in any way. The state will not allow any new educational programs that duplicate what is already being done at a regional vo-tech,” Machesky explained.

Dr. Gary Brain, superintendent for Laurel Highlands, said both districts fully intend to remain in the current vo-tech while looking for ways to reduce operating expenses at the regional school. Brain said Laurel Highlands is looking into adding programs in engineering, health occupations, forensic science and a program capitalizing on the current expansion of the natural gas industry in the region.

“The purpose of this meeting is to see if we can share those with Uniontown,” Brain said.

Brain said he wants to see more students exposed to career technology opportunities and by bringing some of the programs into the high schools, students who may not have room in their schedule for a full vo-tech program could take several classes as electives.

Uniontown school director Tom George questioned the need for more programs.

“We’re losing students in Fayette County. How many programs do you need?” George said.

George also questioned whether the in-school program would siphon some of the better students from the current vo-tech school.

Students at both high schools were surveyed about their interest in career technology classes, with 44 percent in Laurel Highlands and 47 percent in Uniontown saying they would be more likely to take classes if they were offered in one of the two high schools.

There has been a push in the community for the construction of a new county vo-tech school, with the Fay-Penn Economic Development Council proposing the construction of a new facility at the University Technology Park.

Machesky said the current board of directors at the Fayette County Vo-Tech is not interested in building a new school at a new site or at the current site, or in undertaking a costly renovation project.

“The infrastructure out there is not in need of $14 million, $16 million or $18 million worth of renovation. That’s what started this barrage from outside influences,” Machesky said.

“We cannot establish a curriculum for 400 career fields that might be in Fayette County. I don’t pretend to know anything about economic development, so I wish the people in economic development would stop pretending they know about education,” Machesky said.

Brain said nearly all students will need some post-secondary education, though not necessarily a four-year degree. The high school and vo-tech role is to prepare students for that additional education as well as for the job market.

“I think one of the most important things we can do, as Dr. Machesky said, is to teach them the soft skills: show up on time, dress appropriately and don’t take all of your sick days,” Brain said.

Laurel Highlands would also like to talk to the neighboring school district about sharing its swimming pool, not for daily classes, but for swim meets and practices.

“In these economic times, if we as a school district are willing to share facilities, it would be a cost savings for the taxpayers,” Machesky said.

Brain also invited Uniontown to send some of its high school students to Laurel Highlands to participate in the Air Force Junior ROTC program there. Machesky said it’s not feasible for Uniontown to offer its own JROTC program until after its high school renovation project is done.

Both school districts are expected to consider the collaboration further at their June meetings.