The Regional Rural Technical Center at LaHarpe continues to grow.
More and more students are taking classes at the RRTC, as new programs are added including the most recent, automotive technology.
The building itself has been remodeled again and again to accommodate those new programs. Currently, new restrooms are being constructed.
Lisa Wicoff, Career and Technical Education Coordinator for USD 257 and instructor for the anatomy and physiology class at the RRTC, gave board members an update on the program at a meeting on Monday evening.
The new auto tech program has been off to a slow start because of supply chain issues, but students are studying under an instructor with the Flint Hills Technical College and already are working on cars.
The auto tech program is the second most popular, with 28 students enrolled
Welding continues to be the most in-demand program, with 36 students.
The wind energy technology program has 14 enrolled this year, and nine students are taking construction trades classes.
Two health programs are drawing 14 students each, though not necessarily the same 14. The RRTC offers a CNA course in addition to the anatomy and physiology class.
Students come from the Iola district and several others from around the area.
“A lot of students are staying all day long. There’s a lot going on,” Wicoff said.
She started taking attendance this year as a way to increase accountability. When students arrive, they scan a QR code with their phone, which takes them to an attendance spreadsheet.
“It’s just like clocking in at work,” Wicoff said.
Wicoff, who previously worked as a science teacher at Iola High School, took over as CTE Coordinator this year after the departure of Melissa Stiffler. A new leader tends to put her own stamp on programs, and Wicoff outlined some of the changes she has in mind.
She has moved furniture in the lounge area, where booths with charging ports allow students to study and do homework. She wants to make it more handicapped accessible to meet ADA requirements.
She also plans to translate RRTC documents to Spanish.
