CareerTEC History
A HISTORY OF CareerTEC
In the late 1960s, local school administrators analyzed the educational opportunities of youth in the
Although CareerTEC currently has programs designed for college bound seniors, the courses offered back then were much different. Studies were conducted and it was decided that transportation costs would be excessive, but no single high school could fit a career centers needs, while also being centrally located. While there were already career centers in
On September 1, 1972, the participating districts employed a planning director, Mr. Duane Gamble, to oversee and develop a Phase II proposal for the career center. To assist with the planning of the Stephenson Area Career Center (SACC), three surveys were conducted among employers, parents, and students in the area. On February 1, 1973, the newly elected Board of Control approved a participation agreement between all of the participating school boards. The Board of Control and the administrative council decided to have meetings at regular dates. During these early meetings, decisions were also made about the construction of a SACC building. With the previous vocational education offices located on
SACC was started on the belief that secondary schools should be preparatory institutions for every student. SACC would benefit students by better equipping them for careers in vocations such as drafting, child care, building trades, health care, and office occupations. Most of these programs were not offered at the six member schools, as well as the prospective school districts of Leaf River and
Construction was started in the summer of 1974, with the firm Larson & Darby, Inc. of
Mr. Shelley Cary accepted a position in the
At SACCs administration meeting in late June 1977, Mr. William J. Meier of
In 1978, SACC began to recognize superior students by presenting a quarterly award to an outstanding SACC student in each program. CareerTEC currently also participates in this process, having a student of the semester and student of the year winner in various programs. In addition, CareerTEC selects an annual overall outstanding student from advanced students in each program offered.
On October 15, 1978, the SACC cosmetology program opened up a new facility at Highland Community College (HCC). This meant that SACC could run their own cosmetology program in conjunction with HCC, severing the prior cosmetology relationship with La Molo School of Beauty Culture, which previously ran the cosmetology program in conjunction with SACC.
The building trades program has also changed dramatically since its inception. In the earlier years, most of the building trades students were from
In early 1979, SACC began to discuss the possibility of holding a summer course at the SACC facility in conjunction with
The Business program at CareerTEC has come a long way since the inception of the Office Occupations program in the early days of SACC. When the program first started in 1976, computers were a luxury, but yet very complicated in their operations. The Office Occupations program was designed to acquaint students with the use of a typewriter, as personal computers were in their infancy. The Business and Finance Youth Apprenticeship, or BFYA, currently uses computers on a daily basis to complete assignments and other projects. During the CareerTEC programs first days, classes met in a room at the Freeport Post Office. Now the business class meets at the Stephenson County Farm Bureau on Spring Street in conjunction with a business partner, Aero Computing Ltd.
The nursing aide program, the precursor to todays Certified Nursing Assistant program, began in 1980. 55 students attended classes during the first year. These students were all to be employed in nursing homes in SACC’s geographical boundaries. This course was held during the evening, while the current Certified Nursing Assistant, (CNA), program is taught during the school day at the
The
Tragedy struck SACC when Bill Meier passed away while he was still employed as director. This shocked the career and technical education system. Mr. Meiers dedication and service to vocational education led to a scholarship in his name that was established for outstanding graduating seniors planning on continuing education at the secondary level. A memorial flagpole in front of the SACC building and scholarship still honor Mr. Meiers name. Mr. Richard Linnell was hired to be the acting director until a replacement could be found. In July 1982, Mr. Roy Monzo was hired as the new director and Mr. Linnell assumed the duties as administrative assistant once again.
The Micro Switch companies of Freeport came to SACC in February 1983 to explore the possibilities of adding an Electrical Maintenance program to their curriculum. Micro Switch would send 26 of their adult employees to the course. Newell and Kelly-Springfield also joined Micro later in sending their starting employees to SACC to be trained. Development of the courses was finalized in the summer of 1983. It joined the Kelly-Springfield courses of electrician, instrument repairman, millwright, and pipe fitter, the Newell courses of pre-entry and on-the-job training, as well as blueprint reading, and a summer cosmetology course.
The
In this same year, a computer applications course was discussed. Needs for programmers had decreased in the past couple years, as applications and programs were becoming more popular and useful than the computer language itself. This course was set up for the next school year.
In March 1984, the Illinois State Board of Education drastically cut funding for career and technical education statewide. The funds for SACC alone had been cut over 20% in two years. These budget cuts led to layoffs and reduced time for employees. This also led SACC to cut down their insurance policies among employees. A resolution authorizing reduction in employment time of non-tenured teachers was adopted on March 11, 1985.
In the following month, SACCs spirits were somewhat lifted when several students placed very well at the Illinois Association of Vocational Industrial Clubs of America Leadership Conference and Skill Olympics, with a cosmetology student finishing first in the state. This was just another testament to the high academic level of career and technical education in and around
CareerTEC administration is currently located in the same administrative building as the Northwest Special Education District, a partnership between the two that started in 1985. Northwest Special Ed started renting facilities at the SACC offices, and special education kids were allowed to take regular classes at the center the following year.
The internship program of SACC started in 1986 when Office Occupations students were allowed to seek employment in the community to receive experience in a work environment. The students would receive no pay and had to provide their own transportation. Today, second year CareerTEC Business & Finance Youth Apprenticeship students drive to their internship placement sites as well but most businesses now pay apprenticeship students for their services.
A plan for a child day care center was discussed in SACC meetings in April of 1986, and these early discussions and research led to a day care facility being established in the SACC building. The
Mr. Roy Monzo resigned from his post as director on July 14, 1986. Richard Linnell was again given the task of acting as interim director until a replacement could be found. Another major change also happened in 1986 when the
Another success was achieved by SACC when the Office Occupations class took home nine national awards from the national conference in
A big change occurred on July 1, 1987, when SACC decided to cease operations and form into the Stephenson Area Vocational Technical Education System. SACC records and documents were transferred to SAVTES, which still retained the same administrative location next to HCC. Bob Grisolano, recently hired as the new full-time director, oversaw these major changes in the career and technical education system.
Mr. Bob Grisolano officially resigned on July 8, 1991. Mr. Richard Linnell was once again selected as the interim director of the system. The search for a full-time director began in December 1992, and following a lengthy interview process, the current director, Ms. Karen Johnson, was selected from a pool of six applicants.
In September 1993, the process for developing a model Youth Apprenticeship programs begins. Studies show the greatest demand is in the Health Occupations area. Grants are written to help support the implementation of a Health Occupations program. Local health care providers are invited to take part in the development of the curriculum and representatives from a national program are brought in to in-service school administrators and partners on the implementation of programs. The new programs will include an innovative cluster approach to the health care fields, partnering with local businesses to offer job shadowing and internships. The first classes are held in a local church. Kate Magnin is hired as the first instructor.
In the fall of 1995 more grants were written and business and finance partners were brought in to help develop a youth apprenticeship for their industry. The first classes were held in the Freeport Post Office to provide easy access to businesses and local financial institutions. Brian Borger was hired as the first instructor. In the fall of 1996 a partnership with Aero Computing Ltd. provided a classroom fully staffed with computers and internet access at the Farm Bureau building downtown.
Local industry expressed interest in developing a Manufacturing Trades program and the development of curriculum with the partners began. Grants were also written to help support the beginning of this new program. The first Manufacturing Trades classes were held in the Newell Window Furnishing plant on
Both the Lena-Winslow and Orangeville school districts withdrew from SAVTES at the end of the 1998-1999 school year. In the spring of 1998.Pecatonica submitted a request to become full partners in the consortium. With the addition of Pecatonica and Aquin students numbers for programs stayed level.
Other new classes at the consortium were also added in the late nineties, increasing enrollment and the occupational outlook of many students. From 2000-2003 the Jobs for Illinois Graduates (JILG) began for students needed extra for graduation requirement in English and for developing employability skills. This program was also grant supported at the inception. The Construction Trades Youth Apprenticeship program was added in 1998 and 1999 saw the addition of the Microsoft Certified Professional program. The programs of SAVTES were no longer just vocational programs. Board members, business partners, school administrators were invited to participate in the development of a new strategic plan. During the Strategic Plan processes a change in the name of the system was proposed. CareerTEC (Career and Technical Education Consortium) is adopted to better provide the image of the programs that are career and technical educational based. On July 1, 1999, SAVTES changed the name of their system to the Career and Technical Education Consortium, or CareerTEC.
During the expansion of the system during the years 1993 -2000 competitive grants were written and received to help support the beginning of all the new programs. Over $500,000 in grants supported the new programs through their first year.
In 2001, two new classes were offered at CareerTEC, featuring the Certified Nursing Assistant, or CNA program, and the Graphic Design program. The Durand school district located in
The consortium has come a long way since its inception. Focusing on occupational preparation in the early days, CareerTEC now focuses on both occupational and college preparation. Today, CareerTEC is a thriving educational consortium serving nearly 400 students from the six participating school districts. Fourteen programs are offered within the consortium, providing students with academic variety and depth.
The newest course for the 2002-2003 school year will be the Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps, or NJROTC. Enrollment remains high as do aspirations for a great future in career and technical education. CareerTEC is dedicated to expanding career opportunities and preparation for high school students. Currently, over 75% of students in the consortium pursue post-secondary education. Enrollment in a CareerTEC course helps students gain problem-solving skills and develop an understanding of what challenges and opportunity the future holds. Students also build self-confidence and understanding while receiving a solid foundation for become responsible, productive citizens in today’s society. Enrollment also improves capability, responsiveness, and relevance of their education to raise each student’s skill level. CareerTEC’s programs offer students the ability to learn while having fun, acquiring valuable knowledge and experience to help them succeed in life.
In 2004, Highland has received approval for the Nail Technology program. The CTYA program was given approval for building a house. A non-member school expressed interest in sending a student to CareerTEC program. Director Johnson resigned and replaced by Patricia Maley. Teresa Julius was hired as the Business Instructor. In 2004 the JILG grant was stopped and CareerTEC changed it to Working Success for 2004-2005 being taught by Kim Fricke.
In 2005, CareerTEC and
In spring of 2006, JILG (Jobs for Illinois Graduates) was reinstated and transferred to FHS (
In 2007, the CareerTEC website (www.careertec-il.org) was opened live on the internet in Aug. but HCC having trouble because of their firewall. Agricultural Education will be reinstated at
In 2008, CareerTEC will move Graphic Design II, for dual credit, to HCC for the FY09 school year. There is a need for a 3rd HOYA class for next year. Martha Lehman is being hired for that position. Discussion was held about the attendance information given regarding the number of 7 & 10 day absence notices as well as the students withdrawn for attendance reasons by school district for FY’06 – this current FY’08 year. The numbers of withdrawals is decreasing each year. The Principals and Superintendents felt that no changes should be made in the process regarding attendance and the Board was in agreement as well.
In 2009, Teresa Julius resigned as Careers in Business Instructor and Tammy Haight hired as her replacement.
Summer 2009, Fear of no state budget and cuts in funding. CTE budget line was approved at State level but receiving funds has been slow. Early March CareerTEC teachers put on notice of possible layoff for next school year.
Late 2009, the five local school districts have agreed to help finance CareerTEC for the upcoming school year. The Superintendents committee was formed.
Aug. 2010, all teachers were retained for FY11. Pat Maley announced her retirement at the end of the FY11 school year. Not much funding coming in from the State of Illinois. No Applied Technology or Welding for lack of enrollment. MCP classroom moved to St. John Church on Park Blvd, Freeport.
Spring 2011, Jen Montana hired as new System Director. Martha Lehman submits her resignation. Barb Kniss hired as her replacement.
Summer 2011, MCP classes will be held in morning and afternoon for FY12. HOYA 3 & 4, held from 9:15-10:45a.m, was added to accommodate additional Freeport students.
Spring 2012, Jen Montana marries Phil Newendyke therefore changing her name to Jen Newendyke. Energy class (S.T.E.M.) class added for FY13 school year.
Summer 2012 MCP renamed CIS (Computer Information Systems)
Fall 2013, Energy class cancelled for lack of enrollment.
Spring 2013, Jan Golden, HOYA lead Instructor, and Nick Katzenberger, Construction and Building Trades Instructor, announce their intent to retire at end of fiscal year.
Elizabeth Chamber hired to replace Jan Golden and Nick Katzenberger returns as part-time.
Summer 2013, Culinary and Careers in Business classes moved to St. John Church on Park Blvd, Freeport. St. John completely renovated their kitchen to accompany the culinary needs.
James Ungs resigns as Culinary Instructor. Steve Konefes hired as new Culinary Instructor.
Fall 2013, Energy class cancelled for lack of enrollment.
Colleen Mills receives full-time hours for 9 months, part-time (24hrs) during June & July.
Winter 2013, Jen Newendyke delivers a baby boy in January 2014. Returns to work March of 2014. Superintendents fill in while she is on maternity leave.
Spring 2014, Carl Scace and Barb Kniss relieved of duties effective end of fiscal year.
Summer 2014, Stacey Vock hired as replacement for Barb Kniss (HOYA)
Craig Danekas hired as replacement for Carl Scace. Welding Fabrication & Print Reading a go with 12 enrolled in program at HCC. Carol Luning retires from event coordinator position. Steve Konefes to take over for Carol.
Summer 2015, Jen Newendyke delivers another baby boy in June 2015. Returns to work August 11, 2015.
Summer 2016. Craig Danekas (CIS) resigns to move to New Mexico. Doug Meyers hired as replacement.
Nick Katzenberger (Construction) resigns. Brad Miller hired as replacement
Summer 2017, Elizabeth Chambers (HOYA) resigns. Lori Steele hired as replacement.
Tammy Haight (CIB) resigns to take a position at FHS. Elizabeth Hazzard hired as replacement.
June 9, 2017, Kathy Drake hired as Community Outreach Coordinator with United Way grant.
Fall 2017, Welding & Fabrication class changed to Industrial Technologies.
Fall 2018, Colleen Mills takes over as event coordinator.
Culinary Occupations classroom moved to Pretzel City Kitchens inside the Wagner House.
HOYA holding 4 classes, 2 in AM, 1 in AM2, & 1 in PM.
Culinary holding 3 classes, 1 in AM, 1 in AM2, & 1 in PM.
Summer 2019, Jen Newendyke resigns to take position at ROE as Assistant Superintendent. Brian Greene hired as her replacement as Director of CareerTEC.
Fall 2019,
Spring 2020, Covid pandemic hits. Masks required. Remote learning only. Kathy Drake resigns to move out of city.
Fall 2020, School to work program canceled. Students return with a choice of remote learning or in-person.
Sept: Brian suffered 3 heart attacks and thankfully survived. Out for over a month.
Students in and out with positive Covid tests and need to quarantine for up to 2 wks.
Vaccines being given.
Spring 2021: Pandemic almost over. Plans for full in-person teaching in Fall 2021.
Spring 2021: Brad Miller resigns as construction instructor.
Dan Harrington hired as Construction Trades instructor
Fall 2021: Full in-person learning
January – February 2022: face masks optional
March: Dan Harrington resigns as construction instructor.
Brad Miller back to finish FY22 school year.
FY23: Jim Shaw hired as new Construction Trades teacher