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YOUNGSTOWN -- Even though one program under Choffin Career & Technical Center's adult-education umbrella has been temporarily sidelined, the vocational and technical school is continuing to grow, an official contended.
"The dental program at Choffin has been paused until 2027-28," Sherry Cross, the adult-education director, said during the regular Youngstown Board of Education meeting Tuesday at Youngstown Rayen Early College High School. "We just did not have the people coming to this program this particular year."
It's important for that program to attract at least eight students, but this year, only two enrolled despite a strong online push, she added.
Cross quickly pointed out, however, that the number of adult-education offerings increased from three programs in 2022 to eight this year. Specifically, Choffin is offering two cohorts for surgical technology, one each during the fall and spring semesters; one for practical nursing, courtesy of an increase in enrollment; and seven cohorts this year for those interested in becoming certified nursing assistants, she noted. In addition, the number of phlebotomy classes has increased from one to four, and central service technician courses are now offered twice annually, she said.
Three four-week CNA classes took place in June because of a high demand, Cross said. She added that Choffin also offers new courses for students interested in becoming firefighters and emergency medical technicians.
In addition, many of the offerings will be in the evening to accommodate students' schedules, so those who take such classes can receive certifications before they graduate from high school. Cross also noted that the coursework will prepare them for in-demand careers, with support from OhioMeansJobs, which has listed more than 131,000 available jobs, according to its website.
As a whole, the Youngstown City School District "is on the cusp of making sure students have jobs," Cross said in her presentation to the board, adding that the state has authorized Choffin to provide customized training.
In an effort to expand its online reach, the technical center also will be posting on TikTok, she added.
Those seeking additional information about programming or are interested in filling out an application can go to www.choffinadulted.com.
BOOSTER CLUB
Also during the meeting's public comments portion, the board heard a presentation regarding launching a booster club in the new Youngstown High School that would rely heavily on parental participation.
Shay Henderson, a club representative, said the idea has received highly favorable responses from parents, and that it will shatter the perception that many such parents are apathetic and uninterested in participating in the school district.
The booster club will be, in effect, a districtwide parent-community support system, with the potential to support students not only during school hours, but while they're at home, added Henderson, who has three sons in the district.
The next move is for the club to achieve 501(c)(3) status as a nonprofit entity, she noted.
Board member Joseph Meranto said the idea has the body's full support, and that it further underscores that the district continues to move in a positive direction.
Anyone interested in assisting with the club is asked to call Henderson at 330-610-0628.
In other business, Superintendent Jeremy Batchelor reminded board members that the state report card will be released in mid-September. The report details the district's performance in meeting a variety of educational benchmarks.