The groundskeeper, accompanied by two summer students, Thomas Elston and Brady Smith, addresses the Columbiana County Career and Technical Center (CCCTC) board on Tuesday. Hawk thanked the board and administration for allowing him to hire summer students. Elston is a senior studying construction technology and Smith is returning to the landscape and environmental design program. (Submitted photo)
LISBON — As demand for web-based and computer-based careers increases, so does the need for training opportunities for those fields. The Columbiana County Career and Technical Center (CCCTC) has recognized this need and is working on a renovation project to keep the center in line with advancing technology and new careers.
This project, which included the renovation of two IT rooms – the Academy of Interactive Multimedia and Information Technology and the expansion of the Interactive Multimedia program – is nearing completion.
“We are waiting for the electrical inspection and the final fire safety inspection before the architect can apply for the final building permit,” CCCTC Superintendent Jeremy Corbisello told the board during Tuesday’s regular meeting. “The new spaces will be great for students and staff.”
The goal of the CCCTC is to rename the interactive multimedia program, offer additional IT certificates, and expand the IT Academy’s facilities to give students more space for hands-on learning.
The project, which began at the end of last school year, was funded by the Ohio Career Technical Education Equipment Grant Program, from which it received $1,456,453 in March. Some of those funds will also be used to purchase equipment for the new criminal justice program.
Several agenda items were presented to and approved by the Board at the meeting, including a request from Corbisello to enter into a contract with the Columbiana County Mental Health Clinic (The Counseling Center) to provide an on-site youth case manager.
“We have been trying for some time to provide on-site psychological support for our students,” said Corbisello. “After working with Chad Conard from the Counseling Center last year to train students and staff, we discussed the need for a youth case manager to ensure our students have the opportunity to receive comprehensive mental health support.”
The 2024-25 school year has officially begun at the center. Assistant Superintendent Jordan Williams said high school teacher training and an orientation for 11th graders were held last week and students returned on Monday.
Williams also explained the strategies his team uses to familiarize new juniors with daily expectations and guide them through a managerial evaluation.
“It is important to us to communicate our expectations to our students so that we can help them reach their maximum potential,” said Williams.
Williams also introduced and welcomed the school’s new science teacher, Mikayla Campbell. In addition, by board vote, the board expanded CCCTC’s adult education staff. The board approved Shannon Allen (RN) as a full-time teacher and part-time teachers Leslie Brode (police commander), Nine DeLuulo (RN), Staci Homan (RN), and Deborah Arter-Draa.
In other business, the board heard from Ryan Hawk, building and grounds supervisor, who was accompanied by two summer students – Thomas Elston and Brady Smith. The students shared their experiences working on campus during the summer and the skills they learned over the summer.
“This building never stands still. It is always moving and it takes a lot to make everything work,” said Smith.
Hawk thanked the board and administration for allowing him to hire summer students. Elston is returning for his senior year in civil engineering and Smith is returning to the landscape and environmental design program.
The board also heard from Kelly Darney, Director of Adult Education, who provided the board with program updates and distributed invitations for the upcoming Adult Education graduation ceremony, scheduled for August 29 at 6 p.m.
In another action:
– The Board approved the July operating statements in the amount of $1,019,051.07, the July financial statement in the amount of $11,285,338.86, and accepted the appropriations, cash, investments and revenue reports.
– The Board has appointed the OSBA Delegate and his Alternate for the OSBA Conference.
– The Board approved established cafeteria menu prices for breakfast ($2.75 for adults and $1.35 for students) and lunch ($4.70 for adults and $3 for students).
– The Board accepted the resignation of Jackie Fieldhouse, Adult Education Nursing Coordinator.
– The Board approved the Salary Schedule and Handbook and the Salary Schedule for Adult Education Program Administrators.
– The Board assigns Ann Cope and Emily Deack to Level 10 on the Adult Education Program Administrators pay scale.
