Metals 2 will be added to the 2023 summer school high school classes after the Salina Public Schools (SPS) Board of Education approved it at their regular meeting on February 14.
“We remain committed to increasing opportunities for our students,” explained Linn Exline, SPS superintendent. “We strive to meet our students’ needs while also helping meet the needs of local business and industry and ultimately, support transforming Salina.”
Welding teaching facilities are only available at Central High School (CHS), though the classes are open to both South and Central high students. And with a growing demand, Central’s welding site has not been able to meet the demand. Sixty-six student names have been placed on a wait list for Metals 2.
Seven years ago, the North Central Kansas Technical Task Force projected that welding careers would grow 9% by 2026, but growth has already exceeded that projection. Cole Dow teaches the metals classes at CHS and enrollment in his classes increased from a combined count last year of 170 to 390 students for this school year.
Dow, named the SPS 2021 Secondary Horizon Award Teacher, has created a dynamic learning environment where students are not afraid to take risks. Matt Brungardt, CHS principal, added, “Cole is preparing his students to enter the welding industry after high school.”
This new summer school class will combine classroom and lab sessions. Students who complete the class will have the option to earn concurrent college credit through Salina Area Technical College (SATC). The SATC tuition cost will be covered by the State of Kansas through Senate Bill 155 funding.
With the welding addition to summer school, Salina Public Schools continues a strong tradition of providing great opportunities for students. For more information, interested students should check with their high school counseling office.