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Board hears plan to launch electricity major at ATA with $125,000 startup funded by Perkins and state new‑program funds
Summary
The Academy for Technology and Academics presented a proposal to add an electricity major that would enroll about 25 students per instructor and require specialized equipment and one teaching position.
The Academy for Technology and Academics (ATA) presented a proposal to start an electricity major and asked the Horry County Board of Education to consider the program and related funding.
Why it matters: the program would add career and technical education options for students and align training with local workforce demand for electricians and electrical technicians.
Miss Scott presented the proposal, saying the major can enroll about 25 students per instructor and would give juniors and seniors sequential coursework (Electricity 1–4 alongside construction and architecture classes), two work‑based learning opportunities and industry‑recognized credentials. Scott said the equipment and startup cost for the major would be about $125,000 and that the district plans to finance the start‑up through Perkins EIA funds and South Carolina new‑program funds; the ATA principal requested one full‑time equivalent teacher for the program.
The proposed instructor criteria include at least four years of hands‑on experience, possession of one of three industry certifications listed by staff, and completion of the South Carolina direct‑entry teaching certification program. The implementation timeline presented calls for classroom renovations in fall 2025, recruitment and advertising December–March, hiring the teacher in spring 2026 and launching the first cohort in the 2026–27 school year.
Board member Debbie Edmonds asked how quickly experienced community members could complete the teaching credential; Scott said candidates could complete certification concurrently with teaching assignments, similar to the district’s PACE program. Vice Chair Wendy Hodges praised the program as an economic investment for the area, noting local demand for electrical professionals.
Neil James told the board the curriculum committee had discussed the major and recommended it be presented to the full board.
No final board action on the ATA major was recorded at Thursday’s meeting; staff said the proposal would be included in the district’s CTE plan and budget discussions.
