Middletown parents, industry supporters warn against cutting high school manufacturing program

Several community members urged the Middletown Board of Education not to eliminate the manufacturing teacher position at Middletown High School during the June 17 meeting.

Speakers described the program’s industry-aligned curriculum, HAAS scholarship opportunities and hands-on credentials that local employers seek. “Manufacturing careers today offer competitive salaries often starting at $60,000 or more,” a community commenter told the board, urging reconsideration of the proposed cut.

Commenters said the district has invested in industry-standard equipment and that removing the teacher while leaving the equipment in place would be poor stewardship. They also described strong ties to state officials: the program has drawn visits from high-level state leaders, they said, and those endorsements signaled the program’s local importance.

District staff said enrollment and scheduling pressures were factors in the decision and suggested a reimagining of program use: the aerospace teacher on staff would continue to teach multiple related courses, and the facility could be used for guest-industry trainings and for Legacy Academy students if scheduling and staffing were redesigned.

Community speakers pushed for a renewed outreach campaign to increase enrollment in manufacturing options and to reconnect with local firms for training partnerships. Board members asked administrators for enrollment data and said they would consider alternatives as the budget debate continues.

Ending Speakers asked the board to revisit the proposed cut and to prioritize meeting local workforce needs when final staffing decisions are made.