(Atlantic) Bryce Smith, Aviation Program Instructor for the Atlantic High School, spoke to the School Board Wednesday night about expanding the program to include aircraft maintenance.
Smith said he wanted to make sure the board is okay with looking into this program and what the needs are. Garry Pellett said they are in the beginning stages of conversations with Iowa Western Community College on what they would like to do.
Pellett said he spoke to the Atlantic Airport Commission and they were very much interested in the program and gave verbal support that they would help where they can.
Lori and Barry Reid, Managers of the Atlantic Municipal Airport, said they could come up with some space for the students if needed.
Bryce Smith said the reasons they are pushing this program so hard is because there is a general need for aircraft mechanics in this country and this also a viable career opportunity that will earn the students plenty of money right out of the gate. This will be a dual enrollment program that would earn the student’s college credit.
Atlantic is one of four schools in the state of Iowa to offer this aviation program. The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) program began about four years ago. There are currently 37 students in the program in 9-12 grades.
Smith said another thing they are looking into is possibly opening this program up to other school districts.
In other activity, the Atlantic School Board approved the resignation of School Nurse Laura Freund and the following new hires: Lily Renfro – Elementary Paraeducator, Rick Boysen – Substitute Bus Driver, Mallory Kirchhoff – Junior Class Sponsor and 23-24 Prom Sponsor, Tori Wood – Elementary Paraprofessional, and Cayleigh McBee – Homebound Instructor. The Board tabled action on the Spring Sports Coaching Recommendations until next month when they are expected to have a few more hires on the list.
