The Eureka USD 389 Board of Education approved a new in-house welding program for Eureka Junior/Senior High School (EJSHS), set to begin next fall.
EJSHS Principal Angie Lowe explained that students have traditionally attended Flinthills Technical College (FHTC) for a two-year welding program. While students completed the coursework, they were not earning specific welding certifications needed to move directly into the workforce. The new inhouse program aims to address that gap by allowing students to earn industry- recognized certifications while still in high school.
Under the plan, EJSHS will partner with a local welding instructor to provide two hours of welding instruction each day for interested students. The program will focus on stick and MIG welding certifications. Currently, approximately 14 students have expressed interest in participating.
By offering the program locally, career and technical education (CTE) funding that previously went to FHTC can remain within the district and be reinvested directly into student opportunities and school programs. Local welding instructor Matthew Galbraith and Ag teacher Trint Peine will be assisting with the certification process.
Plaques were presented to board members Mike Pitko and Travis Harrison (pictured inset) in recognition of the completion of their terms on the board. New board member Anthony Treece will take the oath of office during the January meeting.
The board held a five-minute executive session regarding student matters with Matt and Brianne Vinson and Superintendent Scott Hoyt. Later in the meeting, a second executive session, lasting 15 minutes, was held for personnel matters with EJSHS Principal Lowe, Marshall Elementary (ME) School Principal Stacy Coulter and Superintendent Hoyt. No action was taken following either session.
The board approved Kansas Association of School Boards (KASB) policy updates as presented.
Administrative updates were given by EJSHS Principal Lowe, ME Principal Coulter, and Superintendent Hoyt.
The board also reviewed dates for the pending superintendent search, with interviews expected to begin in late January.
The board voted to move its next regular meeting to Tuesday, Jan. 13, due to a junior high basketball game. The meeting will be held at 7 p.m.
(Courtesy photo)
