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Board highlights regional career academies, water-operator and TA certification opportunities for students and staff
Summary
Board heard reports on regional career academies offering week-long trade exposures, a water-operator certification pathway, and six teaching assistants accepted into a full-scholarship alternative certification program at SUNY Cortland.
Board members and staff described ongoing vocational and certification efforts intended to increase students’ employment readiness and expand staff certification pathways.
The superintendent and program leads discussed partnerships with Groton Central School Districts and the regional career academies grant that provides week-long immersive exposures to skilled trades, public safety, education and other fields. S6 said successful applicants will be offered certifications and that one student will attend a week-long water-operator training in Cortland with a certification test afterward.
S4 and S6 also reported that six current teaching assistants were accepted into the Central New York alternative certification pathway, a full scholarship through SUNY Cortland that allows participants up to four years to complete certification and a master’s degree when applicable. Board members praised the program; S4 noted the state has expanded certain certification routes, which should help districts facing labor shortages.
The board asked about credit recovery and micro-credentials: S6 provided progress metrics (76% completion in one marking period in credit recovery classes, 34 students who earned a 10-hour OSHA credential and roughly 20 students completing a cafe credential). Directors emphasized tracking academic credit for off-campus vocational work and coordinating with department chairs so industry-aligned experience counts toward CTE and work experience hours.
