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MARSHALL -- Marshall Public Schools' new Career and Technical Institute is on track to open later this fall, MPS Superintendent Jeremy Williams said. But while the new facility will have plenty of room to add new opportunities for technical education for high school students, it will need ongoing support to grow.
"We know that we can't do this on our own without business support," Williams said Monday.
To help raise that support, the school district will be partnering with the Marshall Economic Development Authority and the Pride In the Tiger Foundation to reach out to area businesses, Williams said.
Williams, together with Marshall EDA Director Lauren Deutz and PITF Executive Director Krista Bjella, went over plans to communicate with local businesses during this week's Marshall School Board meeting.
"We've really talked about, how do we make this happen? Because as you guys know, our budget is always tight," Williams told board members. "What we're doing is we're asking individuals and businesses to consider sponsoring this programming," he said. The central theme of the plan is "Growing Our Future Together," he said.
Williams started out his presentation by getting into more of the details about the new CTI, on North U.S. Highway 59. The institute should open in mid-October, with courses in medical, automotive and manufacturing fields.
Williams said the initial courses will include CNA and advanced welding classes, as well as advanced automotive classes. "Engine performance, brakes and steering, and auto electronics are the first (automotive) classes for this first year," he said.
Williams said the CTI will not take away from the career and technical education opportunities already offered at Marshall High School and MATEC, like agriculture, pre-engineering, and FACS classes.
Deutz and Bjella said expanding career and technical education options in Marshall would help the community build a future workforce.
"We're a community that has heavy manufacturing, that's what our workforce needs are. So in order to support that, our school system needs to as well," Deutz said. "We have a huge workforce shortage right now. Last October, we had a 1.4% unemployment rate, which is just unheard of. So in order to fill some of those gaps, it's these students - that's who we need to keep here."
Deutz and Bjella said their organizations would be able to help MPS connect with area businesses, and PITF could also act as a vehicle for donations to support the CTI.
"The Foundation has already invested a fair amount in CTE programming within the schools over the last few years, through the teacher impact grant program," Bjella said. PITF has also received grants from US Bank and the Taco Bell Foundation that will go toward career and technical education at MPS.
Williams said individuals or businesses would be recognized for making cash or in-kind donations to support the CTI, or helping provide opportunities for class speakers, internships or job shadowing.
"We've got a campaign together," Williams said. The district has hired Shanda Walker as a community engagement coordinator for the campaign, and advertisements and request letters will be going out to potential supporters this fall, he said.