School district to join United Way program
Already hosting one of the most comprehensive career education programs for a school its size,Tekamah-Herman is going a step further. During its Nov.
13 meeting, the school’s Board of Education voted to join the Jobs for America’s Graduates program. Offered as a partnership with United Way of the Midlands, the program teaches students job skills that aren’t covered through technical training.
Superintendent Brad Kjar said United Way would cover the program’s costs for the first two years, with the school district contributing £10,000 in the third year. Although United Way is paying the tab for two years, the school still has control over the hire. “We advertise (the opening) though United Way, we do the interviews and we have the final choice as to who the employee is,” Kjar said.
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While admitting that the situation could be fluid, “our intent is to get someone who wants to be here long term,” he said.
In 2019, Nebraska became one of 39 states affiliated with the national organization Jobs for America’s Graduates in 2019. Supported by United Way of the Midlands in collaboration with state agencies and participating school districts, JAG Nebraska helps students overcome challenges to achieve personal and career success after high school. JAG instruction is offered during regular classroom hours at participating schools and is available to all young people who need, want, or can benefit from the program.
Certified Career Specialists teach a minimum of 37 skills that are valued in the workplace and community. The JAG curriculum prepares students for future job success by building relationships with local employers; receiving career and technical education; participating in hands-on experiences; developing leadership and life skills; learning civic and social responsibility; and joining in student-led activities. Potential instructors receive a provisional teaching certificate from the Nebraska Department of Education.
The program requires they teach two periods per day and have two periods per day to plan. Beyond that, they are on the school’s schedule and can be used as the district needs them. “It’s beneficial for the climate we’re in,” Kjar said. “With a certified teacher, if we need them somewhere else in the building … we’re kind of planning for that in a way.”
In other business Nov.
13, the school board: –Approved Jennifer Miller, Tom Olson and Jennifer Fees as local substitute teachers. To be considered as a substitute, an individual must have a certain number of college credits, but not necessarily a degree.
They also must gain the approval of the Nebraska Department of Education. –After discussing the matter for the third straight month, decided to take one more look at adding a baseball team to the spring sports lineup. A decision on the matter is expected at the December meeting.
Board president Mandyn Pruess said that following a number of private discussions, she believed a baseball team for the 2024 spring season would not happen. “It’s not no forever,” she said. “We can definitely revisit it.” Pruess said that if the Nebraska School Activities Association approves dual participation, it would greatly helps the district’s situation.
“I don’t know if I’m on that page,” board member Chris Booth said. “I don’t think we can wait on that. The NSAA throws a lot of things out there that don’t become reality.” Booth said he wasn’t in favor of adding a baseball program originally, but has come to realize he was elected to the board to try and affect change.
“If we don’t try it, we’ll never know,” he said.
A decision must be reached in December to be able to put a team on the field in the spring.
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