Print

Email story

Comment

Email editor

School board approves new vocational program

By DONNA WINCHESTER
Published January 23, 2007

The Pinellas School Board gave a green light Tuesday to a plan that will overhaul the district’s career technical education programs.

In a 7-0 vote, board members agreed to allow superintendent Clayton Wilcox to begin creating “centers of excellence” at the district’s high schools.

The centers will allow students enrolled in career education classes to earn industry certifications in areas such as information technology, culinary arts and building construction along with their high school diplomas.

“I’ve waited a long time for this,” board member Jane Gallucci said. “This is exciting, because it’s exciting for kids.”

Echoing Gallucci, board member Peggy O’Shea said she thought adopting the plan was “one of the most positive steps” the district could take.

“This is kind of a win-win for everybody,” O’Shea said. “I have yet to come across anybody who sees a down side to this.”

The vote will clear the way for the creation of an advisory committee that will determine where the centers will be placed. The goal, superintendent Clayton Wilcox said, is to have at least one center on every high school campus by 2010.

[Last modified January 23, 2007, 19:42:16]