Salina USD 305
Metals 2 will be added to the list of 2023 summer school high school classes after the Salina USD 305 Board of Education approved the class at its regular meeting on Tuesday.
“We remain committed to increasing opportunities for our students,” explained Linn Exline, 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 percent 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 USD 305 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 continue a strong tradition of providing great opportunities for students. For more information, interested students should check with their high school counseling office.