Waterloo Schools announces additional career programs

WATERLOO -- Three of those four added career and technical education programs to be provided by Waterloo Community Schools following collapse have been declared.

They comprise digital interactive media, advertising management, and internet programming and development. A fourth application will be set at a later date. The four will join five different apps that have already begun.

Pupils from all district high schools are going to have the ability to enrol in the programs in the Waterloo Career Center, positioned in Central Middle School. Cedar Falls High School students also can subscribe to the applications through an arrangement with Waterloo Schools. The concurrent courses are provided in 90-minute cubes and earn both higher school and Hawkeye Community College credit.

The statement follows the Board of Education's unanimous approval Monday to proceed with hunting forecasts on almost $14 million in remodeling in the center. Contained at the 80,000 square foot project is renovations of 2 floors on the college's north end along with a brand new 2,500 square foot entry. At some point, the remodeled area will host 15 career path programs.

Jeff Frost, executive manager of specialist technical instruction for the district, said the new applications will be found on the next floor, in which renovations will begin in January. Currently, programs are all situated on the first floor.

"There'll be shared laboratory space between multiple apps," he explained, noting some similarities between people beginning next fall. The apps could even discuss some courses.

Latest pathways in the center, which opened last autumn, are nursing, electronic images, innovative production, early childhood education and data technology-networking. Frost said data technology and electronic images will combine the new apps on the next floor.

So far as the fourth brand new app, "I would anticipate out something within another few of weeks," he added. Officials are organizing with architects around the building program before making that statement. "We're just waiting to see with phasing where they will be with rooms."

The career center renovation and expansion will be covered with existing district capital available throughout the 1 per cent sales tax.