School trustees receive report on CTE classes

Since she became superintendent of the Churchill County School District last year, Summer Stephens has been a big advocate of students becoming more rounded with their educational courses.

At the last Board of Trustees meeting, she and Churchill County High School Principal Scott Winters expressed the need for students to be exposed to a number of classes from Career and Technical Education and academic fields.

CCSD is also working with Western Nevada College for students to take dual-enrollment classes offered in the technical fields ranging from business courses to construction and drafting. While the high school may be able to offer students the first two to three years of a CTE course, Stephens said the students may be able to take a WNC class to satisfy the fourth year.

“Our goal is to take the concept and help students create a suite of opportunities of what to take,” she said.

Stephens said the next focus in the Pathways program is in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) to help students integrate math and science classes in their education.

The increase in CTE began during Sandra Sheldon’s tenure as superintendent. Trustees received information at their board meeting, noting that students are enrolled in 36 CTE classes.

“I don’t want to lose classes,” Stephens said. “I want to have more.”

Also at their meeting, trustees announced board officers and committee appoints. Kathryn Whitaker becomes president and Matt Hyde is vice president. Clerk is Carmen Schank, and acting clerk is Phil Pinder.

School board meeting

Trustees will convene Wednesday at 6 p.m. after a closed-door personnel session for their second meeting of January.

The board will discuss and/or take action on the following agenda items:

Scott Harrington, behavioral specialist, will provide a presentation regarding behavioral support services that he provides to the district.

Modifications to Policy 5244.4: Churchill County High School graduation requirements.

Modifications to Regulation 5244.4: Churchill County High School graduation requirements.

Approval to offer College & Career Ready (CCR) high school diplomas.

Extension of LP Insurance Services to provide Brokerage Services for Employee Insurance Benefits through June 30, 2020, as allowed within the initial contract.

The board will determine the number of scholarships and the amount of money for the Churchill County Board of Trustees Scholarships for the 2018-19 Churchill County High School seniors.