FCCTI looks to build new facility for auto, diesel mechanics
The Joint Operating Committee of the Fayette County Career and Technical Institute began discussions Monday about the construction of a new building.
Dr. Edward Jeffreys, FCCTI executive director, said the facility, if approved, will be used by students in the diesel mechanics and auto mechanics programs.
“If we’re going to keep growing, we have to do these improvements,” said committee member David Howard.
The building will provide an 18-foot clearance, which will enable students to work on big rig trucks. It will also be heated, giving students the chance to work in the winter. The project is estimated to cost nearly $200,000.
“If we’re going to grow, we have to build,” said committee member Edward Colebank.
Jeffreys said he hopes the committee will approve the project in January, and that work on the building will commence in March.
In other business, the committee approved that all chaperones be screened using the school’s Raptor Visitor System. The technology uses a person’s driver’s license to conduct a background check on every visitor who enters the building.
“I think it’s a great tool and we should be using it to our advantage,” said Jeffery Bayne, committee president.
Prior to the meeting during the committee’s work session, Bayne said that in the future, he would like to explore the option to offer comprehensive programs at the FCCTI. He would like to see students receive all of their program, and academic instruction, on FCCTI property.
“I don’t know if we’re getting the potential out of this school,” Bayne said. “I think we should look into it and see if it’s something that’s feasible.”
Colebank said that right now, he’s “totally against” a comprehensive high school.
“We don’t have the money now,” he said. “We’ll cross that option down the road.”
Jeffreys said that if the FCCTI transitioned to a comprehensive high school, it would raise the cost per student from $6,000 to about $13,000.
Bayne said he fully intends to put pressure on representatives in Harrisburg to provide more funding for vocational schooling.
Also Monday, the committee:
n Approved the agreement of affiliation between the FCCTI and Laurel Ridge Nursing Center to provide clinical experience to students enrolled in the secondary nurse aide program, as well as the post-secondary nurse aide program.
n Approved the agreement of affiliation between the FCCTI and several facilities, including the Cherry Tree Nursing Center, LaFayette Manor and Excela Health, to provide clinical experience to students enrolled in the Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) Program.
n Approved the continuation of the clinical site agreement between FCCTI and Golden Living Center to provide clinical experience to students enrolled in the LPN program.
n Approved two advisers, one chaperone and 12 students to attend the SkillsUSA Fall Leadership Conference at Seven Springs Resort in November 2014.
n Approved extra work rates for the 2014-15 school year as needed. Instructors will be paid $25 per hour and students $8 per hour.
n Approved the revised position description for the practical nursing program director.
n Approved the retirement of Kathleen Cipolletti, financial accounting secretary, effective June 30, 2015.