Superintendent

Superintendent

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

November 23, 2010

What a whirlwind month November has been! Yes, this is a weekly blog, but several events have made it difficult to blog in November.

The last few weeks have included some intense work on reviewing the final building plans, room by room, and system details such as the type of rack used to house the cabling for the building's technology design. A bit more review has yet to be finished, but much progress has been made in the design phase since voters passed our bond levy in November 2009.

Many, many thanks to all the Vantage voters who supported the .7 renewal permanent improvement levy in this November's election! The levy passed in all five counties where Vantage has voters--it is believed this is the first time for unanimous passage. The Vantage district is proud to have the support of our surrounding communities.

Vantage will continue to seek new training options for students, both in high school and adult programs. Currently a proposal is being drafted for the consideration of Horizon Wind Energy and Iberdrola Renewables. This proposal is intended to foster education in alternative energy and will include wind turbine repair. Current Vantage high school programs in Industrial Mechanics and Electricity provide a solid mechanical and electrical foundation which is necessary to build alternative energy competencies. Additional training in alternative energy will prepare students for a number of employment options such as energy auditing. It can also support interest in a postsecondary pathway to earn degrees in electrical, mechanical, or other engineering fields.

I would be remiss if I didn't mention a special life-changing event, which is also the reason I missed the November 5 blog post. My grandson was born on Thursday, November 4! My daughter and son-in-law are adjusting to parenthood, and are learning to live on much less sleep. I am settling into the Grandma role and gearing up to cook Thanksgiving dinner for 14 people this Thursday. Happy Thanksgiving to everyone! Enjoy the time with family and friends.