In discussions concerning the proposed bond issue at Valley Falls, it would appear that the industrial arts program is on the chopping block. In order to make room for a gymnasium, the current industrial arts building would be razed and, unlike previous bond proposals, there are no plans to provide new facilities.

The administration talks about a substitute program where students can view introductory programs on a computer. There would be no hands on experience wiring an electrical switch, making a bird house, tinkering with an air conditioner, fixing a faucet, overhauling a small engine, or welding a bead.

I think that “vocational-technical” is also an umbrella for another broad section of important subjects ranging from drafting and design to computer programming.

From an occupational point of view, I would think this course would take the highest priority. With fewer than half of the students college bound and half of those dropping out the first semester, it would seem important that the rest have a background in the manual trades. An occupation aside, these are often skills necessary simply to maintain a house and own a car and boat.

Valley Falls has a long history of supporting a vocational curriculum and was a charter member of the Kaw Area Technical School in Topeka available to juniors and seniors. This goes back more than 40 years and there are surely some members of the alumni who can testify to its importance in their lives.

This past May, Gov. Sebelius signed legislation to create the Postsecondary Technical Education Authority. The Authority, which operates under the Kansas Board of Regents, will oversee technical education in the state; aiming to standardize costs, credits, programs and certifications.

“In today’s global market, education cannot end at the twelfth grade,” Sebelius said. “There is a growing demand for formal technical training, and Kansas is ahead of the curve in the fields of aviation and biosciences. We want to expand that success to other fields, and this authority will help guide this effort.”

There are examples of neighboring schools beefing up their programs and it would appear that the state is not relaxing its efforts to continue to improve voc-tech. education for post-graduates. I think our students from the seventh through 10th grades should be able to explore this wide field of interests.

Superintendent David Grove tells me there are two problems. Lack of interest on the part of the students and the availability of teachers. I believe the first can be resolved by fixing the flat tires and polishing the chrome.

I don’t know what to do about the teacher shortage, but I think we will do a great disservice to our students if we don’t pursue a different route.

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