JAL Public Schools board hears plan for new oil-and-gas vocational class, names instructor

The JAL Public Schools board heard a presentation about a proposed oil-and-gas vocational program that district staff hope to start in August and initially house in the district’s three-bay bus barn. Miss Parsons, introduced during public comment as the instructor chosen to lead the program, described her hands-on experience in the field and said she can draw on family and industry contacts to support instruction. “I have, like, a lot of family history with the whole field… I did work out there, actually, in the field, kind of like a labor hand,” Miss Parsons said.

District staff said they have prepared a pacing guide that compresses a five-day industry curriculum into the district’s four-day week. Staff told the board they had laid out the temporary space, taken measurements at the bus barn and plan to use the site to set up equipment and workstations before a permanent facility is ready. The board discussed bringing a Devon representative (Rebecca Jensen or another Devon staffer) to present during the program’s first week to give students regional context about the Permian Basin’s role in oil-and-gas production.

Board members asked about timing and logistical details, such as when the first class would start and whether industry presenters could attend. Staff said the target start is August pending final setup. Members also emphasized adapting the content to suit students and to fit into the district’s calendar and four-day instructional model.

The board did not take a formal vote on the program during the meeting; staff said further operational and facility details will be presented at upcoming meetings and during a planned walkthrough of the temporary space. The district will bring vendor and facility plans back to the board for approval as they are finalized.