Chuck Buck was sworn in at the Jan. 24 Ohio Hi-Point Career Center board of education meeting by Caleb Lang, OHP treasurer. Buck previously served on the board on behalf of the West Liberty-Salem school district but now represents the Midwest Regional Educational Service Center. Fran Meister will take his place for WL-S. (EXAMINER PHOTO | SHARYN KOPF)
With the school year half over, Brad Richardson, career tech assistant superintendent at Ohio Hi-Point Career Center (OHP), presented an update to the board of education at their regular meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 24.
From industry-recognized credentials to community service projects to work-based learning (WBL) hours and wages earned, Richardson explained how they’re doing in meeting the school’s Vision 2030 strategic goals. And while they’re making good progress in some areas, others need more attention.
One area they’re focusing on is increasing the number of students earning at least 250 hours of work-based experience. Currently only 349 students—about 20 percent of the student body—have reached that goal.
“It’s about encouraging business partnerships,” Richardson responded when a board member asked where the problem lies. “Our biggest challenge is getting people who are willing to take on those internships.”
To thank those already helping in this way, the school is hosting a banquet for their WBL students and business partners on Thursday, Feb. 29. The event will recognize the importance of this program and the people involved in it.
WBL hours can be earned in several ways other than internships, such as entrepreneurships, paid jobs, apprenticeships and simulated customer service environments, like culinary students working at the Sloan Kitchen or cosmetology students gaining experience in the school’s salon.
Other areas of progress from Richardson’s report:
- Webxam scores—currently at almost 84 percent; Vision 2030 goal: 90 percent
- Industry recognized credentials—now at 220 earned credentials with a goal of 1,410; Vision 2030: 1,700
- Building capacity—surpassed 2023-2024 goal (69 percent) at 78 percent; Vision 2030: 85 percent
- Community service projects—38 completed so far with a goal of 135; Vision 2030: 250
- Wages earned—students have earned almost $260,000 and are closing in on the goal of $289,281; Vision 2030 goal: $500,000
- Innovative ideas—the school hopes to add three new innovative ideas to their teaching toolkit in 2024; their growth target is 20 such ideas to hit their Vision 2030 goalIn other board action:
- Before the regular meeting, the OHP Joint Vocational School District convened for organizational purposes, which included the administering of the oath of office to new and reappointed board members. They also nominated and voted for board president and vice president. As a result, Ann Reames unanimously retained her place as president and the vice president position once again went to Matt McConnell.• Kristen Blazik, educational specialist for the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, presented Ryan Gilbert with the Milken Educator Award obelisk. Gilbert, who’s an OHP English language arts instructor for grades 11 and 12, learned he’d been chosen for this national recognition Nov. 30, as previously detailed in the Examiner. The award includes a $25,000 prize.
- The January 2024 main campus Students of the Month are Kelsey Bushong, education academy, Kenton High School; and Rachael McBride, culinary arts, Graham High School.
- An internship agreement with Home Away From Home Family Pet Care in Huntsville was approved.
- Dr. Rick Smith, OHP superintendent, presented the following employment offers for consideration, which were approved:
- Rebecca A. Berning, substitute teacher—medical assisting/nurse assisting, one year
- Sabrina Glett and Debra Purk, substitute secretary/aide, non-teacher, limited hourly, as-needed
- Linda Overly, facilities and grounds assistant, classified/non-teacher, for an extended contract from Jan. 29, 2024, to June 30, 2025
- Zach Balch, engineering instructor, certified staff employment
- The board approved out-of-state professional development for:
- Kelsey Webb, public relations & marketing coordinator, to attend the NSPRA National Seminar in Seattle, WA, July 14-17, 2024, for approximately $2,700.
- Mary Trudgeon, Upper Scioto Valley (USV) satellite IT instructor and USV senior class advisor, for the annual USV senior trip to New York, NY, March 18-23, 2024. All expenses, including sub coverage, will be paid by USV.
- Three resignations were accepted: Katilyn Bush, educational aide, effective Jan. 12, 2024; Julia Hicks, agriculture education instructor, effective Jan. 5, 2024; and Michael Moore, full-time certified substitute, effective Oct. 6, 2023.
- Donations approved: A 1998 Dodge Ram truck for the automotive technology lab from Thomas Griffin, Marysville; and five wire shelves and one 7.5-cubic-foot refrigerator for the Peak Pantry from CoverLink Insurance, Bellefontaine; estimated value $879.32
The next OHP BOE meeting is 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 28.