The Senate K-12 committee recently granted preliminary approval to reinstate funds for secondary vocational training programs in Minnesota.

Wednesday, March 08, 2000

The Senate K-12 committee recently granted preliminary approval to reinstate funds for secondary vocational training programs in Minnesota.

Last year’s Legislature eliminated funding for the 2000-2001 school year. Steps to re-establish state financial support of the program have been led by state Sen. Kenric Scheevel (R-Preston).

According to Austin Public Schools Superintendent Dr. James Hess, about $65,000 was appropriated for vocational training curriculum in Austin’s schools. This year’s funding runs out on June 30, the end of the fiscal year.

"The measures that are currently in committee are to renew the funding," Hess said. "It certainly could have an impact."

Hess added many of the programs provide training to students who may not be attending a four-year university. In addition to the district’s programs, a partnership exists with Riverland Community College, allowing high school students to take classes at the college.

In committee, Scheevel said that without specific funding, the programs will cease to exist, meaning students will have fewer choices on how to build a career.

"Would you want to have a root canal by a dentist who learned it from a book, or a haircut from someone with no practical on-the-job training?" he asked.

Hess added that budget restraints make every amount of funding paramount.

"We’re hopeful (funding will come through) in these days of tight budgets. We’re constantly finding ways to fund programs," Hess said. "When there is a stream of funding we can keep them, but when it is cut, that’s when we have to re-evaluate what stays and what must be cut."

The state vocational education aid program began in the mid-1960s. Programs focus on a school-to-careers philosophy.