Board Learns About Futures House and
Heavy Equipment Operating Engineer Program
Two new programs for students are being explored for implementation in the Ray-Pec School District.
During the Jan. 24 School Board meeting, Superintendent Dr. Mike Slagle provided more details about a Special Education Futures House and a Heavy Equipment Operating Engineer Program.
Special Education Futures House
The Special Education Futures House would be an actual house designed for students to practice the skills needed to live on their own. It could include:
- A family style kitchen and dining area
- A living room
- A bedroom with closet and bathroom
- Fully equipped laundry area
- An outdoor area for gardening and entertainment
Students would not live in the house, but would use the house as a classroom to learn:
- Basic meal preparation and clean-up
- How to set a table, serve a meal, and clear a table
- Skills to clean and maintain an actual living space
- Basics of home repair
- Basics of home design and decor
- Cost of living and working within a budget
- How to create dishes from items grown in a garden
Dr. Slagle outlined the cooperation and partnership of many regular education and special education programs to make the Special Education Futures House a reality. For example, students in the LEAD Center trade programs could partner with a construction company to build the house.
Next steps will include the development of a budget and timeline, with the goal of opening the house in fall 2025. The District will seek partnerships for all phases of the project.
Heavy Equipment Operating Engineering
A Heavy Equipment Operating Engineer program is projected to begin in fall 2024. This will be a half-day, two-year pre-apprenticeship program for high school students in grades 11-12. The program will be taught in person by a current Heavy Equipment Operator Engineer. The instruction would take place on District-owned land on the southwest corner of the Ninth Grade Center property.
While learning to operate heavy equipment, students would earn multiple certifications and accrue time toward an apprenticeship. There also would be the opportunities for internships.
Dr. Slagle said there is a high need in the area for the union and construction industry. This could be one of the first programs of its kind in the state, and among a handful in the country, for high school age students.
Read more here.
Review the Board meeting presentation here.
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