Board approves concept to pursue Lake Region outdoor leadership vocational program for 2027–28

The Lake Region School Board voted unanimously to move forward with a concept for a two-year outdoor leadership program at the Lake Region Vocational Center, with the district to seek Department of Education funding for the 2027–28 school year. A presenter described the program as a combination of outdoor-technical training, safety certifications and business skills aimed at helping students pursue local industry jobs or start small outdoor businesses.

The presenter told the board the program would offer certifications such as first aid, CPR and wilderness first aid, and include business training so students could develop real business plans and pitch to potential lenders or investors. "We want to tap into that," the presenter said of students' existing outdoor skills and local industry opportunities. The proposal highlighted regional industry demand; the presenter said outdoor recreation makes up a meaningful share of the state economy and that manufacturers and outfitters are potential partners.

Board members pressed for details about structure and resources. The presenter said the 2027–28 start date is the year Department of Education funding would take effect and that Perkins funds could support equipment; however, final staffing, room assignment and equipment purchases would depend on recruiting enough students in early 2027. "If things don't line up, we can't get enough students and interested... we can't just spend large sums until we see the meat of the program," a board member said, expressing the view that program development work must come next.

Next steps: the presenter will bring program standards, learning outcomes and other materials to the curriculum committee for refinement; the board authorized submission of the program concept to the Department of Education so the district is eligible for funding should the program be finalized. The board recorded the vote as unanimous.