Referendum Will Improve Shop Programs

by Ethan Groom

The Potosi school district has been waiting quite some time for much needed shop improvements. The newly passed referendum has provided an opportunity to make those improvements a reality. Shop teacher Mr. Bockenhauer thinks that the shop improvements will make for a more student friendly environment.

Mr. Bockenhauer’s main goal when he came to Potosi Schools was to make improvements to our shop. Mr. Saari, superintendent of Potosi, proposed an addition to the referendum about a year ago and they began planning for the changes. The decision was now in the hands of the school district voters; this decision would not have been possible without the support of the community. Preparing for the upcoming changes has taken a lot of time and thought; Mr. Bockenhauer and Mrs. Brunton have visited local businesses and training programs to determine what improvements are necessary. The itemization and pricing of new tools and equipment also took place in the preparation process, as well as creating blueprints for changes to the layout of the building.

Some changes taking place will include replacing worn out tools, rearranging the machines, material storage, and work areas to make the shop more efficient and user-friendly. In addition, electrical, lighting, exhaust, flooring, and coverings will be updated to provide a cleaner, safer, more student-friendly environment. The addition of a Fab Lab for 3D Printers, CNC Machines, Robotics, and other computer-controlled equipment will also be implemented. While most of the changes are to the shop, there will be minor changes to the classroom such as new flooring and paint. Not only will things be updated, but there will be lots of new equipment that Potosi has never had in the past.

Improvements to the shop were needed to support our students in meeting the growing demand for skilled labor in the workforce. These improvements will provide students with the training needed to obtain a high paying job directly out of high school. Mr. Bockenhauer’s goal is to offer students opportunities for industry certifications, along with state-of-the-art tools to make them sought-after employees.  The equipment currently being used in the shop is outdated, underpowered, lacks performance, and no longer is being used in the workforce; which is another reason the changes are necessary. The new equipment will increase our abilities of building and fabrication, as well as learning opportunities and time management, unlike the equipment we have now.

Although we have been waiting a long time for improvements in the shop, the wait has been worth it. With the referendum, students will have the opportunity to experience hands-on construction, giving them a leg up in the workforce. These changes will be implemented throughout the next two years and last for years to come. Mr. Bockenhauer, along with everyone else in the community, is very excited to see the finished product.