Hoosac Valley Regional expands Pathways offerings, adds CNA partnership; athletics eyes league realignment and co-op teams

Erica Girgenti told the Hoosac Valley Regional School Committee on Feb. 10 that a family presentation about Pathways was well attended and that outreach included postcards and principal letters to surrounding schools. The district is adding a CNA course in partnership with Integritus Healthcare that will allow students to graduate with a CNA designation, Girgenti said.

Student representative Corey Charron described remapping the nature trail and redesigning trailhead signs; staff said supplies were donated for the project. Committee members commended Corey, who will graduate with three Pathways designations, and discussed his planned conference presentation tied to the program.

Girgenti said the engineering pathway will again participate in the General Dynamics engineering competition, citing the district’s first-place finish last year. She also described work-study and employer-placement processes, noting some placements may be unpaid and that durations vary from a semester to a full school year depending on the opportunity.

Athletic Director Jeff Puleri reviewed athletics participation and safety concerns. He said the district relies on 7th-grade waivers for many JV rosters, which can create competitive and safety imbalances when younger students face larger, more experienced athletes. Puleri described a PVIAC committee effort to reshape leagues—potentially moving to geography-based alignment—and urged exploration of co-op teams for sports with low enrollment such as golf, skiing and track.

Committee members asked about youth integration, mentorship by varsity players and outreach to towns; the superintendent and selectboard chairs have begun groundwork to set expectations for small-school athletics. The district will continue engagement with towns and area schools as league realignment and co-op arrangements are explored.