Members of the South Western Kentucky Economic Development Council received a considerable, first-look update of the new Christian County High School Monday afternoon — in which stakeholders shared the importance of the work-based learning model, and how it will positively impact local and regional businesses.
CCPS Superintendent Chris Bentzel noted the relationships with both the EDC and the Christian County Chamber of Commerce have been “pivotal” in moving the Gateway Academy model into the coming core standard — something he said should be smooth in transition, as 1,700-plus Tigers and Colonels currently attend.
Furthermore, Bentzel said the goal is to better meet the “three E’s” of graduation: enrollment, enlistment and employment.
Serving as the Chamber of Commerce’s Workforce Education Development chairman, Hopkinsville Electric System’s Cody Noffsinger said there are five commonalities in which the school and home industries need to create, and maintain, curriculum and co-accountability:
+ Lower hiring costs and the creation of a stronger talent pipeline.
+ Reduced on-boarding and training expenses.
+ High returns on investment and improved human resource advantages.
+ Better operational supports and noticeable productivity gains.
+ And the full transformational workforce impact.
Noffsinger noted that, over 11 years of existence, more than 100 businesses have offered some range of programming and/or training with Gateway Academy, and that continuing, and expanding on, those relationships would only bear more fruit.
Especially through cooperatives.
Incoming Christian County High School Principal Ken Carver said he still “has butterflies” about the opportunity before him, which will include the oversight of four academies and 30-plus pathways — as well as dual-credit options, expanded advanced placement courses, a unique first-ever collegiate partnership with Murray State University’s regional campus, and academy-based enterprise businesses that students will run.
At present, Carver said 62 CCPS students are working toward their associate’s degrees before college — further transforming the workforce landscape.
CCPS Academy Coach Sandra Hancock said that SWK’s Ignite and JobFest programs, geared toward graduating seniors looking for their next step, have been “intentional” and positive tracks for students, and that the new school brings with it GLE’s, or guaranteed learning experiences, at every grade level.
One of those such GLE’s, known as an “industry capstone,” is in critical development stages.
Bentzel confirmed a ribbon cutting has been planned for August 6, with the first day scheduled for August 19.
Meanwhile, SWK EDC Executive Director Carter Hendricks confirmed that a presentation from Todd County Public Schools Superintendent Jessica Addison is coming in late March, while Trigg County Public Schools Superintendent Rex Booth is set to present in late May.
FULL PRESENTATION:
