Wetzel County highlights tech center enrollment, plans journeyman testing and considers cosmetology program

District staff updated the board on career-technical education (CTE) activity and proposals at the tech center. Mr. Kimble said the district has about 59 applications under review for next-year CTE enrollment and 46 students already reenrolled; he said the tech center's current enrollment is about 104 with capacity for 125–130.

Mr. Kimble also reported that the district will host a journeyman electrical exam on April 21 for 13 seniors, with the state fire marshal administering the test locally. "We're actually going to give the journeyman's exam on April 21st in our building to all 13 seniors that will be graduating," he said, noting the local setting should help reduce testing anxiety.

Board members discussed a proposed cosmetology program that would be offered in partnership with Tyler County. Mr. Kimble provided a rough cost estimate for the program—about $198,580 total, roughly $99,290 per county—covering equipment, renovations and instructor costs, and suggested starting with 12 students (six juniors and six seniors) to phase the program in. Members raised typical concerns about teacher recruitment, ongoing funding and the portability of purchased equipment in light of the district's new-school planning; staff said much of the equipment would be demountable and could transfer to future facilities.

The board discussed funding sources (CTE funds, possible grants) and next steps, including adding the program to a future agenda for a formal vote and working with partner counties on final design and budgets. Several members stressed the need to balance current capital projects and new program investments before committing district funds.