May 14, 2024 at 6:00 PM - Pioneer Technology Center Board of Education Regular Meeting

Discussion:  Also in attendance were Traci Thorpe, Ryan Burkett, Kendra Keelin, Kahle Goff, Stacey Rush, Molly Kyler, Terri Busch and Allison Christy.

Discussion:  Woodland lost some elective classes, our kids utilize Pioneer Technology Center. A new instructor to the STEM program. All kids in middle school will go through STEM at some point in middle school. We had a coding course and digital design. I like hands on learning and want to work with drones, and compete in TSA competitions. I want kids to learn about some of the career opportunities that are available to them through STEM education. I want this to be a long-term program for our kids. We  want the whole community to know how thankful we are for our partnership with Pioneer Technology Center. 
Blackwell- we are big supporters of Pioneer Technology Center. We are 15 years into our partnership with PTC. The format has changed on the report. We started the Gateway program so that we could give the kids something to do before they can come to the PTC Campus. We are in the middle of the construction and so our program has been moved around. TSA- We are very active in this program. We have 8 that qualified for nationals and 3 that are graduating. Gay asked about at risk students. There are a lot of kids that do better with hands on and not paper and pencil work. There are many who like robots, and they understand that there are jobs available that go with these classes. 

Discussion:  Kahle-  Blackwell Career fair was taking place The same week as the 3rd grade tours. It was a large event and Pioneer Technology was represented very heavy at this event. Graduation season is upon us and we will start doing retreats and planning for next year. We are focused on improving instruction for next school year. 

Discussion:  Summer Camps for incoming 6th and 7th graders is scheduled for June 3-5th. We are expecting 135 for the camp and have 14 Summer Academy options for 8th-10th graders throughout June and July. We’ll take 20 in
each session, and we’re beginning enrollment for those now. PTC received a donation from Central Technology Center of a 2015 Freightliner Semi. We will utilize this for our Class B CDL training. We appreciate Central Tech and their support throughout our CTE system. Johnny Thornburgh was recognized with the Economic Development Award at last month’s PACE event for his work with our local companies and the laser welder. We appreciate all he does to engage PTC in
meeting the needs of our area businesses and industries.
PTC hosted the B&I Breakfast for the Manufacturing sector in April. Thirty-two participants were in attendance, with seven different manufacturers represented. Discussion centered around training needs,
resources and opportunities to get students connected to the workforce earlier.
The summer line-up for AT&D programming is scheduled to start at the beginning of June. There are 13 new course offerings on the schedule. Several new couples cooking sessions, raising chickens 101, and
some salon classes for professionals and students are among the new programming being offered.
Preparation for summer projects is underway. Bids have been received for the parking lot and HVAC projects.
We are in the process of finalizing interviews for the Culinary Services Cook position. The retirement party for Cindy Ivie will be at 2 pm on May 29th, and for Lori Brown, May 31st at 11am.