There are few things that infuriate me, but the discussion of possibly closing two of our vocational technical schools is most certainly one of them.
I understand that the state Education Department put it out there for “discussion purposes” only, but I cannot and will not accept it. These schools provide students with education and training essential for successful employment in manufacturing and industry.
There should be an expansion of the vo-tech system not a reduction.
The vo-tech schools are proving to be one of our greatest assets. They provide specific and general skills that help young people find employment in manufacturing and industry, sectors that we know have jobs now, and will have jobs well into the future. I have been, and most certainly will continue to be a big supporter of vo-tech schools. Here in Ansonia, I have been an advocate of partnering Emmett O’Brien Technical High students with area businesses. When working together, schools and industry are better able to identify the needs of the labor market. The result gives the school the opportunity to tailor its curriculum to match the changing needs of the business world. This approach has shown to be very successful in areas where vo-tech schools and industry are in close proximity and we are lucky enough to have that here in the Valley.
I absolutely agree with House Majority Leader Joe Aresimowicz that even though the Education Department made the proposal as part of a $16 million cost-savings proposal – closing two vo-tech schools is not an option and should not only be off the discussion table, it should not even be a thought blip of the mind! In fact, I will go on record stating that it is going in the wrong direction completely.
Thanks to the work that I have done along with my House colleagues, Connecticut is beginning to show real signs of improvement. Because we know there is tremendous potential and a bright, prosperous future for anyone entering the new age of manufacturing, we have already unanimously passed bi-partisan legislation that will encourage and prepare middle school and high school students to consider careers in this growing sector. It is my hope that we will take even bigger steps to make our state a manufacturing business destination, where employers will be able to find and hire well educated, trained, and prepared graduates of the vo-tech school system who will help make these businesses grow, pumping good money into our local economy.
I think it’s safe to say that if you ask any vo-tech school graduate who is now working in a good paying, highly-skilled job, or actually running their own business – they would echo my call to take the discussion completely off the table and to erase the thought from the minds of the men and women who make up the State Board of Education. Way too much is at stake for Connecticut’s economy!
Linda M. Gentile, State Representative
104th District, Derby/Ansonia
