Numerous students will be participating in several upcoming competitive events, the Pioneer Career and Technology Center Board of Education learned during its April 17 meeting.

Students who will be attending the FCCLA State Leadership Conference are Crestline students Alyssa Cottrell, Kylie Kelly, Addi Hill, Nevaeh Hill, Jocelyn Noblit and Jaelyn Tesso. Students from Shelby planning to attend are Sarah Hubbard, Timbrie Justice, Justice Clever, Haylie Gustard, Ava Hoskins, Brissani Stidam, Emma Erwin and Ava Myer. Students from Wynford planning to attend are Linnea Gerlach, Cassandra Kurek,and Marlie Hosey.

This week, 25 students from Pioneer are competing in SkillsUSA at the state level.

Leadership Unlimited of Richland County hosted a lunch meeting at Pioneer on April 13. Twenty-three leaders from business and industry visited programs at Pioneer and had lunch provided by Pioneer’s Culinary Arts students. Superintendent Greg Nickoli and Director of Operations Clay Frye hosted an informational question and answer session for all of the Leadership Unlimited participants who were excited to visit Pioneer, as many of the participants had never visited Pioneer previously.

Enrollment continues to be very strong as Pioneer closes in on the end of school. Student Services is reviewing applications and placing students when possible.

The process of recruiting and hiring teachers to replace the staff members retiring has been a success and will continue.

A possible expansion was discussed. A grant from the state will be helpful. A facility grant will be available to expand more labs to answer the need for certain areas of work. Welding and electrician labs are in consideration.

Renovation funds were also discussed.

The FFA State Convention will be May 2-5 at the Ohio Expo Center, Columbus. Students from Lucas planning to attend are Leah Burley, Alaina Stone, Hadley Williams, Teagan Stevens, Jordan Tedrow, Zac Janeczek, Allison Arnold and Katie Griffey.

The following donations were approved: Clothing for Pioneer’s Sharing Closet from Angie Bowling, Lexington; a $2,000 donation for the Officer Brian Evans Memorial Scholarship; Sam’s Club, Ontario, donated two pallets of water to be used for the Community Service Day project; and $30 for the Alumni Endowment Fund from Dawn Wright-Smith, Blackbaud Giving Fund.

Mike Grady, legislative liaison, reported on the various bills the Ohio General Assembly has been working on. None have been approved.

The PCTC Board of Education meets on the third Monday of every month at 7 p.m. in the BOE Conference Room.

Submitted by Janet Kehres.