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Violia and borough to pilot 'Introduction to Wastewater Treatment' at the high school
Summary
Veolia project leader Jessica Seir told the borough the fall course for rising seniors (34 students signed up) will include classroom and hands‑on plant experience, two paid internships in the second semester, and a potential pathway to state wastewater operator licenses.
Officials introduced a new partnership between the borough and Veolia to offer an "Introduction to Wastewater Treatment" course at the high school beginning this fall. Jessica Seir, the project leader at the borough’s wastewater treatment facility, told the board the course combines classroom instruction, hands‑on plant visits and exposure to treatment technologies, environmental science, and applicable regulations.
Seir said 34 students had already signed interest forms and that two students would be selected for internships at the treatment plant during the second semester to provide work‑based learning credit. She identified Matthew Burke and Kate Fuji as instructors who will lead the class upon course approval. Seir described wastewater operations as an under‑recognized but well‑paying career path with multiple licensing levels in Connecticut and opportunities for on‑the‑job advancement.
Board members praised the program and asked about expansion; staff said the course is a pilot for seniors with potential to expand to earlier grades if demand and curriculum alignment permit. The borough and Veolia suggested the course supports local workforce development goals and helps fill regional skills shortages in essential infrastructure roles.
Next steps noted in the meeting include finalizing course logistics with the school district, confirming instructor assignments and internship details, and communicating the program to students and families.
