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Board discusses engineering/CNC expansion and donated cobots; district pursuing an 'engineering' ZIP-code change
Summary
Board members pressed staff on expanding engineering and automation CTE — including CNC, cobots and higher-end 3D printers — and Leah said the district is pursuing an engineering 'ZIP code' from the state to expand what can be taught and better fund the program.
A board member with manufacturing experience said CNC and automation skills are in high demand and earn strong wages: "Very possibly, you could be making 6 figures," the committee member said while urging higher priority for CNC and automation instruction. Leah confirmed the district is exploring an engineering general ZIP-code classification with the state so drafting and design could broaden into engineering coursework and receive higher funding on the state rank list.
Leah and the superintendent discussed obstacles: instructor availability, the high price of safe educational robotics and automation training modules ("you're looking at a 6-figure purchase"), and opportunities such as donated HAS control panels or retired cobots from industry partners. Board members asked staff to continue pursuing grant funding and industry donations to lower capital costs for expanded automation instruction.
