SPEARFISH, South Dakota – Construction of Spearfish High School's Career and Technical Education Center is complete, and the public had an opportunity to tour the new facility over the weekend.
The Spearfish School District has launched a project to give students the opportunity to explore different career paths. The center offers classes in welding, auto mechanics, business education, health sciences and more, and aims to meet the community's demand for skilled trade professionals.
“We've heard from the community that we need more skilled trades people in our area,” said Spearfish School District Superintendent Kirk Easton. So that's what started it. [it] This comes from the fact that students are saying, “I want more classes, I want more choices.'' ”
Construction of the center began in 2022 and was completed this year. Starting next school year, students will have the opportunity to enroll in classes that are offered.
Easton said the center has three main objectives.
- Allow students to explore different areas
- Prepare some directly for employees
- Educating every student into a savvy consumer
“I think this gives our community hope for reintegrating technology skills into the education of our students,” Easton said. “We want every student in high school to take these courses here and gain experience and decide whether they want to explore something further, or maybe realize they don't like it and do a variety of different things. I hope we can explore this field.”
Eight teachers will teach at the new center, including a medical teacher and an automotive teacher. The opening of the Career and Technical Education Center is an important milestone for Spearfish High School and the community, providing students with a valuable opportunity to discover their passions and prepare for their future careers.
Easton concluded: “I've had a very supportive board of directors throughout this and a very supportive community that has embraced this.” [center]And they are very excited.
