Governor wants budget to include tech training

Newport-Mesa schools may acquire new career-training programs in the next year, as Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger proposed a budget increase Wednesday to help prepare students for technical jobs.

In his 2007-08 budget, the governor allotted $52 million for career technical education in high schools and community colleges, citing a lack of courses that give students skills for the global marketplace. If the legislature approves the budget, schools and colleges may apply for assistance to launch new classes, bolster teacher training or create industry partnerships.

With the funds from Sacramento, wood, metal and ceramics classes could become as central to the curriculum as English and math. Even with the budget still in the planning stages, officials in the Newport-Mesa Unified School District said they would welcome the state assistance.

“It would be absolutely fantastic,” said school board President Judy Franco. “I think it would be a wonderful opportunity for our high schools, in particular, to partner with both … [Orange Coast College] as well as local businesses in terms of having career opportunities available for those students who have that kind of an interest.”

The $52 million in the governor’s proposed budget includes $20 million in ongoing funds, plus $32 million for new programs and training. Schools interested in expanding their technical courses would apply to the state, which plans to match all expenses dollar-for-dollar, by Oct. 31.

That could come as a boon to Newport-Mesa, which has taken steps in recent years to further its technical programs. Training students for careers is a part of the district’s latest strategic plan, and high schools have begun instating smaller learning communities to help focus students.

Phil D’Agostino, principal of Estancia High School, said his school hoped to make career programs central to the communities, in which groups of several dozen students are given identical teachers and class schedules.

“Any money that comes from the state is obviously welcome,” he said.

Trustee Jim Moreno of the Coast Community College District, said campuses would likely jump at the chance to partner with the community.

“In Orange County, you’ve got Boeing, you’ve got Western Digital,” he said. “You’ve got all these new technologies that can help kids get the training they need. I think it’s a natural.”