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Patrick County highlights new heavy-equipment training and local CTE expansions
Summary
Superintendent and board members described a new heavy machinery program launched with Patrick Henry Community College and praised ongoing career and technical education (CTE) successes and student community projects.
Patrick County Public Schools showcased a new heavy-equipment training program launched in partnership with Patrick Henry Community College and celebrated recent CTE accomplishments during the March 11 board meeting.
Superintendent Wood described attending the program’s grand opening at the college’s facility and demonstrated a simulator used in the training. “We have those kind of high paying jobs in our community now and … a credentialing program here in Patrick County that family members here, students here can obtain that credential without having to leave Patrick County,” Wood said.
Why it matters: The board and superintendent framed the program as a local workforce-development step intended to help graduates access higher-paying, credentialed jobs without leaving the county. The superintendent said the college had the revenue streams and grants to help launch the program within about a year of initial discussions.
Other CTE highlights presented to the board included state competition recognition for build-and-trace (repair/technical) teams, quiz-bowl and academic placements, a band award and flag-core performances, and student service projects such as repairing a vandalized gazebo with donated materials. The superintendent said those programs give students hands-on experience while benefitting the community.
Board members and the superintendent also credited a close relationship with Patrick Henry Community College and local businesses for expanding offerings. The presentation noted the division’s CTE staffing and program breadth are larger than nearby districts’ offerings.
The board did not take separate action on the CTE items; the remarks were part of the superintendent’s regular report.
