School spotlight: Smith Vocational reports 100+ students on co-op, highlights community partnerships and athlete accommodations

At the school spotlight portion of the trustees' April 7 meeting, the athletic director and co‑op coordinator provided an update showing steady growth in cooperative education placements and strong community partnerships.

Anthony Sabonis told trustees the school was at about 98 students earlier in the presentation and had just exceeded 100 after three recent placements, with 14 of 15 shops currently sending students out on co‑op. He said the school added 23 new co‑op business partners since October, including graduate‑owned businesses and family ties that create direct pathways for students into local employers.

Sabonis outlined how coaches accommodate students who work full eight‑hour days: varsity baseball and boys basketball schedule late practices so working students can complete shifts before practice; other coaches permit late arrivals and make up time. He stressed the goal of enabling students to both earn workplace experience and remain fully engaged on campus.

On athletics, Sabonis summarized participation numbers and co‑op partnerships: ice hockey placements run through East Hampton High School, wrestling operates as a co‑op with Northampton High School and Smith Academy hosted students for other sports. He also noted notable team achievements from the prior season and encouraged trustees that the school’s cooperative model remains a strength for student employment and community engagement.

Trustees asked for follow‑up details, including the number of students on co‑op as a share of those eligible; Sabonis agreed to provide more detailed eligibility and participation figures at a future update.