Graduation plans for the Carbon Career & Technical Institute have been set by the Joint Operating Committee.

Secretary Christina Graver read several emails at the board meeting from students who expressed a desire to return to a more formal graduation program for all of the graduating class, to be held either at Jim Thorpe High School stadium or Palmerton High School stadium.

Senior Class Advisor Sandi Kohutka spoke about a recent survey regarding graduation.

“We sent out a survey just to parents. We emailed all the seniors’ parents. We got some responses back, but not a very large number of replies,” Kohutka said.

The school also held a virtual Zoom meeting to discuss graduation and Kohutka said only one parent attended.

“We did hear some input from parents, mostly positive. The emails in question appear to be from students. As far as the plans for graduation, there was a plan that was approved. I thank the students for their comments, but it is not an item that would be brought up to change,” Kohutka said.

“I am so very concerned of the COVID-19 numbers, and I understand the students are sincere, but I feel the plans presented, voted on and approved, are considerate not only of parents and guests that may want to see their student graduate, it’s also very considerate in acknowledging that Carbon County right now is the seventh most dangerous county in the state. I think the plan that Principal Brent Brozak presented for graduation takes all of that into consideration.”

The 2021 CCTI graduation ceremony will be held on June 18 at the school. The ceremony will begin at 8 a.m. with each technical area arriving together, according to Kohutka.

Virtual meetings

The Join Operating Committee of the Carbon Career & Technical Institute will continue to meet virtually for the foreseeable future due to rising cases of COVID-19. With the number of cases rising in Carbon County, it was felt that in-person meeting just was not feasible at this time.

Adult education

At the April meeting, the committee approved the proposed operating budget for the 2021-2022 CCTI Adult Education Program in the amount of $130,276.

They also approved Autumn Frey, Michele Dominic, Tammy Marshall, and Harold Resh as instructors for the program on an as-needed basis.

Alternative diploma

The committee also approved the 2021-2022 proposed operating budget for the Carbon Alternative High School Diploma Program in the amount of $300,000.

The tuition rate was also approved at $10,000 per year for the 2021-2022.

Personnel

• Michele Klock was appointed a teacher mentor from April 16 through September at the prorated established stipend of $750.

• Autumn Frey, Michele Dominic, Tammy Marshall and Harold Resh were approved as adult education instructors on an as-needed basis, at a salary of $21-$25 per hour through April 2022.

• Emily Shaffer was approved as a substitute teacher, instructional aide, for the 2020-2021 school year at the established rate.