Area 30 Board approves fire class re-designation

One program offered at the Area 30 Career Center will be known by a different name to align with new career/technical education (CTE) offerings.

Director Lora Busch asked Area 30’s interlocal board of directors Tuesday morning to re-designate the fire science program there as fire and rescue. This is so the program syncs with the state’s Next Level Programs of Study (NLPS).

Fire and rescue and other NLPS-guided programs are set to be offered with the 2021-22 school year. The mindset has been that these will improve the quality of CTE courses through updated standards, such as the inclusion of principles classes.

The program will allow students to learn about basic fire safety, fire engine operation, fire-related emergencies and putting out fires. Fire and rescue will also be a pathway to certifications.

Assistant Director Chad Nunley added that consultations with principals and guidance counselors were being set up for later this month. This is to get a better idea on what courses Area 30 could offer and not overlap with school curricula.

In other business:

• The board approved a resolution to extend COVID-19-related paid sick leave until March 31 under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. The expansion allows employees to utilize any unused days, but does not add any.

• The board approved a request by Busch to hire Nicholas Buskirk as an assistant for the morning welding class at Area 30. Busch said this was a replacement position and would be compensated through a COVID-19-related Perkins fund.

• Busch also read a letter from Mary-Anne Birt announcing her retirement as Area 30’s culinary arts instructor. Birt will finish out her contract through the end of the school year.

While Cloverdale Superintendent Greg Linton listened in virtually, Eminence Superintendent Laura Penman was not in attendance.

The next regular meeting of the Area 30 Board is scheduled for Tuesday, March 9 at 9 a.m. in the Old National Trail boardroom.