SEBRING - The School Board of Highlands County decided Tuesday to go ahead with the Career Academy, a technical trade/academic program for students, that will work out of South Florida Community College.
Superintendent Wally Cox and other school officials had recommended delaying the program until the 2009-10 school year due to budget concerns and a low number of applicants.
In the end, the school board decided that waiting another year was pointless.
"The program won't be stronger by delaying it a year," said school board member Wally Randall. "It won't be easier to start next year. With momentum, it will be a success."
Through the joint venture with the college, Career Academy students will earn a high school diploma and a certificate or an associate's degree in a technical discipline.
The vocational areas Academy students can choose from will consist of computer networking, automotive service technology, medical secretary, cosmetology, computer engineering , culinary arts or electronics.
Right now, 35 students have signed up for the program. The school district hopes to have 50 by August when schools reopen.
To get the word out, the school district will hold an open house next week at SFCC.
Four "academic' teachers will teach the core courses while SFCC teachers will provide the vocational training.
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