During the recent Aberdeen School Board meeting, Mister Pudwill provided an enthusiastic update on the Aberdeen Technical Education Center (ATEC), highlighting its growing popularity and the positive impact it has on students. ATEC has become a focal point for educational tours, recently hosting the governor and his team, who expressed admiration for the center's offerings.

This year, approximately 1,425 students participated in ATEC's career and technical (CT) classes, a slight decrease from the previous year attributed to limitations in freshman health class enrollments. Despite this, demand for programs such as Agriculture, Automotive, and Television and Media Production remains robust. Notably, the Child Development courses have seen significant growth, thanks to the efforts of instructor Miss Ketterlin.

Looking ahead, ATEC plans to expand its offerings in welding, robotics, and cybersecurity, with preliminary enrollment numbers indicating strong interest. The center has also enhanced its Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) programs, allowing students to gain hands-on experience through ride-alongs with the Aberdeen Fire Department. This practical approach aims to prepare students for national certification exams, with six students expected to take the test this year.

ATEC recently hosted a successful career fair, connecting students with local industries, and plans to hold an Ag Day career fair to further expose students to career opportunities. Additionally, eight students will compete in the upcoming SkillsUSA competition, showcasing their skills in various trades.

The building trades program continues to thrive, with students constructing cabins for local parks. However, the program is exploring new project opportunities as it wraps up its current cabin projects.

While no new classes are anticipated for the upcoming school year, ATEC aims to refine existing programs and adapt to changes in state-level career and technical education evaluations. Mister Pudwill emphasized the importance of supporting students who may struggle academically, noting that many thrive in ATEC's hands-on learning environment, which positively influences their overall academic performance.

The meeting concluded with a sense of optimism for ATEC's future, as it continues to adapt and grow in response to student needs and industry demands.