(3/25) Fairfield Area School District administrators are looking at a more effective way to prepare their students for the future. During their March workshop, district leaders unveiled career pathways that will train students for a specific line of work.
High School Principal Brian McDowell said pathways help students define their career goals and offer real-world experience. Students can obtain necessary certifications while still in high school and network with professionals who can connect them to career possibilities. McDowell said pathways also benefit the local community because the high school is training their potential workforce.
Aaron Taylor, assistant to the superintendent for curriculum, special education and student services, said the district is exploring the following pathways: welding, medical assistant, medical administrative office specialist, Microsoft Office specialist, hospitality and tourism, and vocation/agriculture. The pathways were chosen based on current district infrastructure and workforce demand identified by the South Central High Priority Occupations Listing.
Taylor said Fairfield may be able to partner with HACC, Allegany Community College, Penn State Mont Alto, and Delaware Valley University to offer the courses without drastically increasing district staffing.
"We are not getting rid of staff, we are looking at using them in a different way," Taylor said.
Superintendent Thomas Haupt said the majority of Fairfield Area High School graduates do not attend a two or four-year college. High school pathways are a way they can achieve career success.
Haupt said the proposal is not intended to compete with Adams County Technical Institute (ACTI). The institute is at capacity. Its Joint Operating Committee has been discussing an expansion for several years. However, recently-hired Director Sharon Perry resigned to return to her job as Conewago Valley School District superintendent. Additionally, the Joint Operating Committee has yet to identify a new location for the school. Haupt stressed Fairfield continues to remain supportive of ACTI but recognizes any major changes will not occur for at least five years. Career pathways are a way to help students now, he said.
Once ACTI expands, Haupt believes Fairfield will supplement its offerings. He noted Conewago Valley School District currently offers a welding program that is at capacity. The district could also open its programs to students in surrounding districts. The career pathways curriculum could also give the district the opportunity to host night classes for adults looking to expand their skill set.
The board agreed to discuss the proposal in future meetings.
