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Board approves planning for CDL program, board told 342 students indicated interest; $75,000 simulator proposed
Summary
Trustees approved moving forward on a career academy plan to offer a truck-driving (CDL) pathway if budget allows next year; staff reported 342 students expressed potential interest and a shared truck-driving simulator would cost about $75,000.
The Vicksburg Warren School District board agreed to pursue planning for a commercial driver92s license (CDL) career pathway and shared simulator for the high schools, after staff said 342 students across both high schools indicated interest.
District staff told trustees Vicksburg High had 85 students and Warren Central had 32 students who said they might enroll; staff gave a combined interest figure of 342 students across both high schools. The board was told a truck-driving simulator both schools could share would cost about $75,000. Staff said students who complete the program would be positioned to seek entry-level trucking jobs and that some certification-related fees such as physicals may fall to students.
Superintendent Dr. Holloway and board members discussed staffing: the district might add two instructors for the program next year, but staff said they would explore using existing teachers where feasible to avoid adding positions if enrollment and budget allow. Trustees asked for details on salary and budget impact; staff said the proposal would be worked into next year92s budget process and, if the budget cannot accommodate it, the board would not proceed.
Board members also asked whether the simulator training could be leveraged to address the district92s bus-driver shortage; staff said the simulator is designed for heavy long-haul trucks and that they would check whether it would also support bus driver training or alternative certification pathways.
The board approved items H13 and H14 on the consent agenda related to the program and authorized staff to continue planning. Staff will return with budget costs, staffing details and a proposed location for the shared simulator before implementation decisions.
