Arts and entertainment calendar, week of Jan. 15, 2014

The Gathering held at Keystone College

First Posted: 10/27/2014 The West Side Career and Technology Center&#8217;s Joint Operating Committee discussed the possible addition of a welding program to its present curriculum on Monday night.
Administrative Director Thomas Viviano said the Center had been in contact with Dana Clarke, Luzerne County Community College, in regard to establishing a partnership between the two schools for establishing the program.
Members voiced concerns regarding program cost and student interest.
Council member Karen Masters said the program would benefit students, providing both educational and employment opportunities upon graduation.
Committee member David Usavage requested the opportunity for the committee to meet with Clarke to clarify what the partnership would entail and to consider operating the program from the LCCC site.
Several committee members also encouraged a survey of feeder schools&#8217; eighth grade classes, to establish interest in the program.
&#8220;I believe both the poll and the meeting with LCCC will result in valuable information in regard to the feasibility of establishing the program,&#8221; said Viviano.
In another matter, the Board lauded students for participation in its 6th annual craft fair benefiting the Skills USA program.
Frank Vandermark, Skills USA advisor, addressed the committee crediting 22 student volunteers contributing 170 hours for an attitude of courtesy and professionalism.
The event drew more than 75 vendors and raised over $1,700 which will be used to fund student participation in a district, state, and national competitions in various fields of study.
In another matter, the committee also approved on first reading several policies including membership, organization and functions.
Masters addressed details of the policy, questioning why each member of the committee served a three-year term.
Solicitor Charles Coslett said it was a mandate of the school&#8217;s Articles of Agreement.
In another matter, the committee also approved adoption of its Comprehensive Plan, with several members stressing the importance of recruitment and retention.
The committee also approved the purchase of Apex Learning digital curriculum and services for the 2014-2015 school year at a cost of $10,000
Coslett said no RFP was required for the purchase because Apex provided a unique, professional service.
The next meeting of the West Side Career and Technology Center&#8217;s Joint Operating Committee is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Nov. 24.

West Side CTC mulls adding welding