School district gets career-tech grant

Sisters School District is receiving a $250,000 grant from The Roundhouse Foundation to bolster its career technical education programs.

The grant was announced during the school board meeting on Wednesday, October 5. It will provide $50,000 annually for five years.

"This is a conversation that's been ongoing," said school board chairman Jeff Smith. "It looks to me like a great opportunity for our kids."

He added it's good to increase options for students who aren't interested in college, but want post-secondary training.

Superintendent Curt Scholl noted the grant is primarily intended for the purchase of equipment, although some money can go toward instructor salaries. However, he said the district will handle most of the funding for career-technical teachers to make sure the program continues past five years.

Scholl said during an interview that new CT classes could begin next school year if a site can be found.

"The facility is the issue right now," Scholl said. "The goal is to make any CT program align with COCC (Central Oregon Community College)."

Erin Borla, speaking as a trustee of The Roundhouse Foundation during the school board meeting, said, "We'd love to begin that program soon."

During the meeting, she read a letter from the foundation's Managing Director Susan Robinson: "The Roundhouse Foundation supports the community of Sisters and a high priority of the foundation is assisting students to reach their educational goals. The Foundation is interested in helping Sisters High School expand vocational education experiences to its students.

"The Foundation is interested in financially supporting the following disciplines available to students including, but not limited to, welding, automotive, small engines, diesel mechanics, agriculture and CADD/technology. It would be ideal for this program to have a location on the SHS campus. We hope this commitment will encourage the building of (a) multi-purpose/shop building at Sisters High School so that this program can move forward."

The Roundhouse Foundation funds collaborative projects in Sisters and Central Oregon. The nonprofit organization seeks to boost community awareness and appreciation for the arts.