< PreviouslLegislative Update Legislative Update BY STATE SEN. PAM IOVINO State Sen. Pam Iovino Over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, I have been in regular contact with the superintendents of the 16 public school districts located within the 37th Senatorial District. I’ve wanted to ensure that I understand the myriad of challenges that students, faculty, staff, administrators and families are dealing with due to school closings that this health crisis has mandated. Harrisburg must be as responsive as possible to support the education adjustments, emergency funding needs, and distance learning resources required of this crisis, to the greatest extent possible. My goal throughout has been to give school districts the tools, resources and guidance needed to make the best decisions for their students’ instruction and their districts’ needs. This edition’s updates focus on the actions we have taken at the state level to deliver quality, safe education for the 2020-2021 school year. General Assembly passes $26 billion five-month budget with full-year education funding Due to the COVID-19 pandemic’s significant yet unknown impact on our state budget, the General Assembly acted to pass a partial, five-month budget to ensure continuity of government and services. The budget that was passed in late May, and which I voted in favor of, provides the same level of funding to government programs as last year for the first five months of this fiscal year. Importantly, the interim budget funded education for a full year to provide some certainty to our school districts. Balancing short-term financial stability while allowing more time to assess our Commonwealth’s fiscal landscape and determine what additional federal funds will be made available to states was a prudent, and bi-partisan, approach in these unchartered times. We also appropriated $2.6 billion of Pennsylvania’s $3.9 billion in federal CARES Act funds. I am especially pleased that a number of areas that I prioritized and advocated for received emergency funding under this plan. This includes: $722 million for health and human services, including testing and protective equipment for nursing homes; $225 million for small businesses; $150 million for COVID-related school safety (more details below); $125 million for childcare and early education; $100 million for emergency medical services and emergency management; $72 million for higher education, including student loan relief; and $50 million in hazard pay for front-line workers. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I remain focused on evaluating all available options to best support the recovery of families, businesses and our communities that have been adversely economically impacted by the pandemic. Additional school safety funding In addition to the passage of the partial budget, the Public School Code was updated and enacted. One of the most relevant provisions of that legislation is the repurposing of the School Safety and Security Grant Program into the COVID-19 Disaster Emergency School Health and Safety Grant Program for the 2020-2021 fiscal year. A total of $215 million was made available in the fund and now has broader eligibility for use to meet needs spawned by COVID-19. Of that amount, $7.5 million is to be used for community violence prevention/reduction grants; $7.5 million is to be used by intermediate units on behalf of non-public schools; and $150 million in the fund can be used by schools for the following COVID-19- related needs: • Providing mental health services and support, including trauma- informed education programs for students • Purchasing of cleaning and sanitizing products • Training and professional development of staff on sanitation and minimizing the spread of COVID-19 • Purchasing of equipment, including personal protective equipment, thermometers, infrared cameras, and other necessary items • Modifying existing areas to allow appropriate social distancing • Purchasing education technology for distance learning to ensure the continuity of education Expanding student grants for higher education The General Assembly appropriated an additional $30 million in federal CARES funds for Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency financial aid. This funding boosted the maximum student needs-based grant award from the originally projected level of $4,123 to $4,525, the second highest level in the program’s history. Additionally, to accommodate distance education enrollments for the 2020 fall term as a result of COVID-19 this year, students attending courses remotely maintain full eligibility. State Sen. Pam Iovino represents Pennsylvania’s 37th Senatorial District. Her Robinson Township district office is located at 5996 Steubenville Pike and can be reached at (412) 788-2967. Visit her online at www.senatoriovino.com. Follow her on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram at @senatoriovino. 30 • Allegheny West Magazine • August/September 2020lLegislative Update Legislative Update BY STATE REP. VALERIE GAYDOS State Rep. Valerie Gaydos We in the House recognize that our constituents are suffering from the fallout of the COVID-19 crisis, so we responded by taking critical action to secure funding for essential programs and to help reduce the strain on taxpayers during this difficult time. The House recently approved a state budget for the first part of the 2020-2021 fiscal year, which began July 1. The plan provides certainty and stability for the next several months while we await more information about how revenues have been impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. With tax collection dates changed to July and August, we need more time to ensure we have the data necessary to make smart budgeting decisions for the remainder of the fiscal year. In the meantime, we are committing to a full 12 months of funding for our preK-12 schools and higher education institutions in this plan, which is based on the current year’s budget. Getting our students back in their classrooms this fall is a top priority for all of us, and this budget provides the necessary resources to help our schools reopen safely. We are also fully funding several health and human services programs. Most of the remaining functions are funded for a period of five months. Signed into law on May 29, this year’s budget allocates approximately $25.8 billion and includes no new or increased taxes. Beyond that, I introduced legislation back in March to provide low- to no-interest emergency loans to small businesses that have been hit especially hard by this crisis. Most small businesses operate on fine margins to begin with. During this pandemic, however, many hard-working families and small businesses have been devastated by many of the measures that were instituted to stop the spread of COVID-19. Some of our state’s smallest businesses - the donut shop, the barber, the toy store, the Laundromat and others - were disproportionately impacted by the shutdowns. Many of these same businesses were also excluded from programs like those administered by the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority (PIDA), the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and CARES Act funding - simply because they were not big enough, fast enough or had the numbers on staff to apply for them. These are the businesses that need our help the most. Indeed, this is where my legislation comes into play. House Bill 2369 would direct the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) to administer small business assistance loans in two varieties: one that targets short-term bridge financing to get through this period (including meeting payroll, overhead, and other expenses). The other is a long-term resiliency loan that helps businesses recover from this over the months and years to come. I am pleased to report that this legislation unanimously passed the House of Representatives and is currently under consideration in the Senate. In another win for small businesses, the Wolf administration announced in June that many of the provisions of my bill will be rolled into a new, expansive small business relief program offered by the DCED. More information is available on the department’s website at www.dced.pa.gov. Finally, I am proud of all of my colleagues for their unanimous vote on House Bill 2487, a bill that would freeze pay for members of the General Assembly and other officials throughout all branches of state government. At a time when millions of Pennsylvanians are out of work, this is simply the right thing to do. As of this writing, this legislation is also pending action in the Senate. News about our state’s response to COVID-19 is changing all the time. If you haven’t done so already, please take a moment to “like” my Facebook page at www.facebook.com/RepGaydos for real-time updates on legislation, community news and more. Additionally, be sure to visit my website at www.RepGaydos.com for links to important resources and critical information. Thank you as always for the privilege to serve you. State Rep. Valerie Gaydos represents Pennsylvania’s 44th District. Her office is located at 1009 Beaver Grade Road in Moon Township. Subscribe to her emails at www.repgaydos.com and follow her on Facebook: www.Facebook.com/RepGaydos. August/September 2020 • www.awmagazine.com • 3132 • Allegheny West Magazine • August/September 2020Katie Bleil Grant Baurle Porter Venuti Lauren Andrews Logan Pruse Michael McGivern Andrea Russo Parker Shoup Curtain rises on virtual spring musical “9 to 5” West Allegheny was incredibly excited and proud to present a tribute performance of the spring musical production of “9 to 5.” Students dedicated countless hours of rehearsal time prior to schools closing down, and the District and WA Arts wanted to spotlight their efforts and amazing talents even if it was not in person. On June 12, the cast, crew and family members from across the country were encouraged to grab popcorn and enjoy a prerecorded compilation of the show, which was broadcast from the District’s website. The 34-minute video represented an abridged version of the show and recognized all those involved with the musical through text, photos, rehearsal video and much more. The main goal of the video was to honor the tremendous efforts put forth, from the initial staff planning meetings that started in the early fall of 2019 through the final rehearsal on March 12. At that time, no one realized the rehearsal, which was just a week away from opening night, would be the show’s final one. Digital playbills were shared with viewers in advance. Returning to the musical was Michael Greer as director and choreographer, Mara Greer as assistant director and choreographer, and Tom Snyder as producer. Pictured is the cast and crew of West Allegheny’s production of “9 to 5.” Cast of “9 to 5” Ava Meier Gracie Campbell Cayla Chiodo Cerina Wichryk Dylan Mersing Nathan Mavrich Jared Xiong Nate Presutti Brock Stickley Brilynn Adamson Chris Morrison Sarah Sabo Rhema Bozeman Allie Konieczny Gillian Davis Brylinn Adamson Rhema Bozeman Ella Chandler Gillian Davis Sara Finnell Sarah Sabo Crew Dannica DeSantis Dylan Eger Kaitlyn Eger Emma Fink Kasara Fisher Ben Gigliotti Zachary Jurges Faith Miller Zach Nemec Gillian Shaughnessy Logan Wischmann Ava Yu Student Orchestra August/September 2020 • www.awmagazine.com • 3334 • Allegheny West Magazine • August/September 2020 Musical cast member Cerina Wichryk was selected to perform one of her songs, “5 to 9,” on the 100.7 FM “Bubba Breakfast Show” on June 5. Her performance was prerecorded for the morning drive time show as part of a showcase for soloists from the region’s high school musicals that were not performed. Wichryk’s role in West Allegheny’s musical production of “9 to 5” was that of Roz, administrative assistant to the boss, Mr. Hart. At the end of May, students from the National Honor Society and Family and Consumer Sciences Club organized a food drive that resulted in four SUVs being filled to capacity with donations. The collection netted an outpouring of donations from staff, the class of 2020 and the softball team. Donations, along with a large contribution from US Foods, were delivered to the West Allegheny Food Pantry to be distributed to community members in need. Food drive benefits families close to home Musical soloist performs on morning radio Cerina Wichryk revived her “9 to 5” role of Roz for morning radio. High school staff generously donated to the recent food pantry drive. Thank you, retirees! West Allegheny School District would like to thank the following retirees for their dedicated years of service to students and staff: Susan Dorman Cynthia Hensler Mark Hoffman Patty Hoskins Jacquie King Beth Koraido Martin Lestander Larry Majoris Joan Madalinsky Sandy Pittinaro Linda Spotskey We can’t wait to welcome our students back on Tuesday, August 25! See you then!August/September 2020 • www.awmagazine.com • 35 Traditionally, this time of year is filled with excitement and anticipation as students and staff prepare for their return to the classroom. Never could we have imagined the current context in which educators across our country are planning to welcome students back for this year’s first day of school. The COVID-19 pandemic has presented significant challenges to our students, our families, our staff and our entire school community that will leave a lasting imprint on how we educate students for years to come. At the heart of the District’s School Reopening Plan for the 2020-2021 school year was our commitment to providing equitable and inclusive learning opportunities for all students with safe and flexible learning options. Given this, I am extremely proud of our staff and administrators who have worked diligently since March to adapt to a new academic norm. The diverse needs of our students and staff remain our primary focus. As our reopening plan developed, one certainty that emerged was that nothing is certain. We recognized early on that our plan needed to be responsive and malleable based on ever-changing local, regional and national guidance. With this understanding, the District plan complies with health and safety recommendations from the CDC, ACHD, PA Department of Health and Pennsylvania Department of Education. We are also ever mindful that it is impossible to mitigate 100% of risk. A notable strength of our return strategy is the implementation of robust safety protocols and the ability to accommodate six feet of social distancing in ALL classrooms. Key components of the plan include the offering of four choices of Educational Delivery Models that provide daily access to rigorous instruction. These also allow for limited academic disruptions and consistent schedules to meet our families’ needs. In all four options below, students will receive instruction that aligns to state standards and are partnered with the necessary supports for success. The District polled families about their preferred method for returning to school and received responses regarding 3,256 students. The approximate percentage of those students participating in each option is also provided: In-Person Instruction (K-12) - 70% of students Students will return to school daily with social distancing and mask requirements in place. Students will follow typical school schedules. Schools will implement enhanced cleaning and hygiene procedures. Synchronous Online Learning (K-8) - 15% of students Students will be required to log on to the computer at a specific time each day to participate in live synchronous lessons. West Allegheny teachers will provide direct instructional engagement based on the District’s approved curricula and students will be responsible for completing assignments on that content independently with parent/guardian support. West Allegheny Virtual Academy (K-12) - 9.4% of students Students will participate in asynchronous instruction and complete assignments independently with parent/guardian support according to their own schedule. WAVA offers 136 courses allowing students to develop robust schedules meeting diverse academic needs. Students have 24-hour access to a full online educational program. Hybrid Learning (9-12) - 3.8% of students Students will participate in both in-person courses and courses offered virtually through WAVA. Students will build their schedules from a selection of 137 in-person courses and 136 WAVA courses. Hybrid schedules will require students to spend less time on-campus, offering families increased flexibility. OTHER - 1.75% of students To ensure the continuity of learning, West Allegheny has also moved to a 1:1 device district where all students in grades kindergarten through 12 will be issued a device regardless of their choice of educational delivery model. As well, to provide guidance for families, the District has established an inquiry email platform where parents could submit questions that were answered by theme in an FAQ page on the District’s website. Over 400 questions were answered individually or by topic on the website. Families opting for their children to return to school for in- person instruction will notice the introduction of several protocols intended to help keep students and staff safe: • All classrooms will accommodate students at six feet of social distancing. • Masks/face coverings are to be worn while in class with designated breaks and are required during transitions, arrival, dismissal, on school buses, and anytime six feet of social distance cannot be maintained as per Pennsylvania’s Mask Order. • Staff members are to wear face shields while teaching and masks while supporting/monitoring students when they are less than six feet away from students. All staff will wear facemasks while in transition and in common spaces. • Parents are encouraged to drive their children to and from school when possible. Students are asked to sit one per seat or with siblings and are required to wear masks while on school buses. • Arrival, dismissal and class transitions have been staggered to limit large gatherings in communal spaces. • All non-essential visitors are prohibited. Essential visitors will follow a drive-up health check prior to entry. • Foot traffic and flow through the schools have been modified. • Health screens must be conducted at home and at school. All staff and students will be temperature screened upon entry using thermographic cameras. A process for quarantining has been established to follow ACHD guidelines. • All classrooms and high traffic areas will have hand-sanitizing stations. Regardless of the Educational Delivery Model selected by families, I am confident that we have developed a plan that will best meet the needs of our diverse learners while striving to keep our community safe and healthy. Though school may look a little different this year, we remain excited and eager to welcome our students and staff back for the first day. Superintendent’s Message Dr. Jerri Lynn Lippert, Superintendent36 • Allegheny West Magazine • August/September 2020 Parent Information Notice Services for Disabled Preschool Age Children Act 212, the Early Intervention System Act, entitles all preschool age children with disabilities to appropriate early intervention services. Young children experiencing developmental delay or physical or mental disabilities are eligible for early entrance services. He or she is considered to have a developmental delay when difficulties exist in the areas of cognitive, communicative, physical social /emotional and self help development. Services for special needs children, below school age, who reside in suburban Allegheny County, are provided through two different systems linked by a transition process. Birth through age two programming is provided through the Pennsylvania Department of Welfare funding and is coordinated by the Alliance for Infants and Toddlers, Inc. Students who are three years old to entry age are serviced through the Pennsylvania Department of Education funding. This preschool program is presently coordinated by the Allegheny Intermediate Unit’s Early Childhood and Family Support Services program, DART. For more information, please contact the Alliance for Infants and Toddlers, Inc. at 412-885-6000 or the Allegheny Intermediate Unit/DART Program at 412-394-5736. You may find information regarding the appropriate developmental milestone descriptors for infants and toddlers at the Center of Disease Control (CDC) website: http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/ActEarly/default.htm Services for School Age Exceptional Students The school district provides a free, appropriate public education to exceptional students according to state and federal mandates. To be eligible, the child must be of school-age, need specially designed instruction, and meet eligibility criteria for mentally gifted and/or one or more of the following physical or mental disabilities as set forth in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act which was re-authorized in 1997 (IDEA –97) and the Chapter 14 Special Education Services and Programs State Regulations: Autism, Blindness/Visual Impairment, Deaf- Blindness, Deafness/Hearing Impairment, Emotional Disturbance, Intellectual Disability, Multiple Disability, Orthopedic Impaired, Other Health Impaired, Specific Learning Disability, Speech and Language Impairment, Traumatic Brain Injury. Identified students are provided with a continuum of services designed to meet the individual needs of eligible students. These services may include supportive intervention in the regular class, supplemental intervention in the regular class or in a special education resource program, placement in a part-time or full-time special education class in a regular school or placement in a full-time special education class outside of the regular school. The extent of special education services and the location for the delivery of such services are determined by the parents and staff at the IEP team meeting and is based on the student’s identified needs and abilities, chronological age, and the intensity of the specified intervention. The school district also provides related services, such as transportation, physical therapy, occupational therapy, assistive technology, and counseling services that are required to enable the student to derive educational benefits. Parents of public school students who suspect that their child is exceptional and in need of special education may request a multidisciplinary team evaluation of their child through a written request to the Building Principal or Mrs. Tammy Adams, Assistant to the Superintendent for Special Education and Student Services. Please contact the Building Principal or Mrs. Adams for the required form. Screening and Evaluation The West Allegheny School District employs the following procedures for locating, identifying, and evaluating specified needs of school age students requiring special programs and services. Level 1: Review of group-based data Level 2: Review of hearing, vision, motor, speech and language Level 3: School Based Intervention Teams The Multidisciplinary Evaluation (MDE) The MDE is a process to gather information that will be used to find out if children really do need special education and if so, the types of services needed. Prior to an MDE, the District must obtain permission via the Permission to Evaluate form. Before an evaluation can occur, the form must be signed by the parent or legal guardian. Evaluations are conducted by a certified school psychologist. Additional information is provided by the parents, classroom teacher, and other pertinent individuals who work with the student. All of this information is compiled into an Evaluation Report (ER). This report will recommend whether a child has one or more disabilities or mental giftedness. It also recommends whether or not the child requires special education and the type of program and services that the child needs. The ER may recommend that a child is not exceptional and therefore does not need special education services. If this is recommended, the report will list changes that may be made in the regular classroom to make the child more successful. All members of the MDT, including the parents, are entitled to review the ER. Reevaluations for students, who are eligible for special education services, are compiled every three years or two years for students with intellectual disabilities or when requested by one or more members of the IEP team (please see information on Individualized Education Plan). Individualized Education Plan Children who are regarded to be exceptional by the MDT team are entitled to receive special education services. The document that specifically addresses these services is called an Individual Education Plan (IEP). Required members of the IEP team include: the child’s parents; at least one of your child’s regular education teachers; at least one special education teacher; a representative from the school district who: (1) is qualified to provide or supervise special education programs, (2) knows about the general curriculum, (3) knows what resources the Local Education Agency (LEA) can offer; someone who can interpret the evaluation results and who may already be a member of the team, at your request or that of the school; other people who know your child well or who have worked with your child; your child (at age 14 when planning will be done for life after graduation or any time before that age when you want your child to be present); or a representative from a vocational-technical school if a vocational- technical school is being considered for your child. The IEP will review all of the evaluation material and will determine how your child is performing in school. The IEP team will write annual goals that can be measured and which meet the needs of your child. IEPs for eligible students are developed on an annual basis, or sooner, if requested by one or more members of the IEP team.August/September 2020 • www.awmagazine.com • 37 Parent Information Notice (cont.) Notice of Recommended Educational Placement Once the IEP has been developed with the IEP team; you will receive a Notice of Recommended Educational Placement (NOREP). The NOREP explains the placement or class recommended for your child and explains your rights. You must approve the NOREP in writing for your child’s first special education placement if you want it to go into effect. You will receive a NOREP with each completed IEP and you have 10 calendar days to return the NOREP. In circumstances when this form is NOT completed parental consent is NOT required, the school will proceed after 10 calendar days. West Allegheny School District offers a continuum of educational services designed to meet the needs of eligible students including varying degrees of gifted, learning, and speech and language support. In addition, related services such as transportation, occupational therapy, physical therapy, vision support, and deaf and hearing support are available to those students that qualify. Detailed information regarding special education procedures may be obtained by calling Mrs. Adams at 724-695-5221. Services for Protected Handicapped Students There are instances in which students are identified as handicapped or disabled, but may not qualify for Special Education services. If it is determined necessary, the school district will provide these students, without discrimination or cost to the student or family, those related aids, services or accommodations which are needed to ensure equal opportunity to participate in and obtain the benefits of the school programs and extracurricular activities. To qualify as a protected handicapped student, the child must be of school age with a physical or mental disability which substantially limits or prohibits participation in or access to an aspect of the school program. Services and protections for protected handicapped students are different from those applicable to all eligible students enrolled in special education programs. These services are outlined in a Chapter 15 Service Agreement. Questions regarding Chapter 15 should be directed to Mrs. Adams at 724-695-5221. Services for Students in Nonpublic Schools Public special education is accessible to resident students attending nonpublic schools by permitting the nonpublic school student to enroll on a part-time, duel enrollment basis in a special education program operated in a public school. The student must have a multidisciplinary team evaluation completed and an Individual Education Plan must be developed with the public school; parents must a sign a Notice of Recommended EducationalPlacement. Parents of nonpublic school students who suspect that their child is exceptional and in need of special education may request a multidisciplinary team evaluation of their child through a written request to Mrs. Adams. Public Notice on Student Records The Education Records Plan for Exceptional Students is a state approved plan for the local school districts within the Allegheny Intermediate Unit which defines all procedures for collection, maintenance, and dissemination of educational records belonging to exceptional students. Education records are needed to provide appropriate educational programs, but at the same time it is necessary to protect the rights of privacy and confidentiality of students and parents. Official student education records are kept where a student attends a district operated class. Copies of the District Education Records Plan may be obtained from your building principal. Confidentiality of Student Records The privacy rights of parents and students are mandated by federal legislation known as the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (Buckley Amendment), state regulations (Chapter 14 - Special Education Services and Programs, Chapter 12 - Student Rights and Responsibilities), and district policy. The different categories of information maintained by the school district are as follows: educational and health records, personally identifiable information and directory information. With the exception of the receiving school district, educational and health records, personally identifiable information cannot be disclosed or released without parental consent or adult student’s (a student who is eighteen years of age or older, married or attending an institution of post secondary education) consent. Information known as directory information can be released without consent. Directory information means information which would be considered not harmful or an invasion of privacy if disclosed. This information includes the following: student’s name, address, date and place of birth, courses taken, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received and the most recent previous educational agency or institution attended by the student. A written, parental or adult student request is required for the disclosure of educational and health records and personally identifiable information. The consent must specify the records that may be disclosed and the purpose of the disclosure; and identify the party or class of parties to whom the disclosure may be made. A written record of the disclosure must be maintained by the school district. Parent or adult students have the right to inspect and review the students’ educational records within thirty (30) days of the date the district receives a written request for access. Parents of eligible students should submit to the building principal a written request that identifies the specific records they wish to inspect. Parents or adult students can seek to amend the student’s educational record that is believed to be inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights. The parent or eligible student in writing must clearly identify the parts of the record to be changed and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading. If the district decides not to amend the record, the parent or eligible student will be notified of the decision and advise the individual of his/her right to a hearing regarding the requested amendment. Parents or adult students have the right to file complaints concerning alleged failures of the district to comply with the requirements of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974. Such complaints should be directed to the Health, Educational and Welfare Office, Washington, D. C. With regard to parents who do not understand English, the School District will attempt to inform them of their rights in their native language. Further information regarding the Policy of the Collection, Maintenance and Dissemination of Records is available through the principal’s office.Fast training for top jobs in the trades Earlier this year, Pennsylvania’s Center for Workforce Information and Analysis released its 2020 list of high priority occupations. The list identifies, by region, occupations that are currently highest in demand among area employers along with incomes for each of those occupations. Many of the occupations listed do not require a bachelor’s degree, but rather a certificate or associates degree that can be completed in less than two years at an area trade school. Here are some of the occupations listed on the state’s report for the Three Rivers Workforce Development Area along with two area schools where training is offered. Also listed are salary ranges from entry level to experienced and expected increases in demand. Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics Salary range: $28,290 - $50,470 Expected growth in job demand through 2026: 4.3% Heating, A/C & Refrigeration Mechanics & Installers Salary range: $38,410 - $66,130 Expected growth in job demand through 2026: 9.9% Welders, Cutters, Solderers & Brazers Salary range: $35,130 - $55,730 Expected growth in job demand through 2026: 7.2% The Community College of Allegheny County offers training for its programs at its West Hills Campus. Each of the following programs CCAC offers can be completed in two years. Tuition is affordable and costs just $118 per credit. For more, contact Laurel Westrom at lwestrom@ccac.edu or visit ccac.edu. Rosedale Technical College offers training at its Robinson Township Campus and all of its programs can be completed in less than two years. Depending on the program, students can complete their education between 10 weeks and 18 months. Financial aid is available for those who qualify, including some of Rosedale Tech’s new institutional grants. Rosedale Tech has resumed safe, on-campus training for all programs. For more information, visit www.rosedaletech.org. Become an in-demand professional as a manufacturer-certified automotive technician. CCAC has partnerships with Chrysler, Ford and GM. Students start working at local dealerships during their first semester. Rosedale Tech has been training automotive mechanics for over 70 years. The program offers real, hands-on training by ASE certified instructors in a shop equivalent to a commercial garage. Partnerships with local dealerships and manufacturers provide a wide range of employment opportunities, tuition reimbursement benefits and more. Whether it’s hot or cold outside, good HVAC technicians are always in demand. Technology is also driving the need for upgrades that make this a much-needed skill. Training can be completed at CCAC in as little as two semesters. A career as an HVAC technician is a “hot” industry to get into and offers work opportunities year-round. Students at Rosedale Tech learn from a comprehensive curriculum with a huge variety of tools and real-world equipment. Many graduates have even gone on to open their own HVAC businesses. A welding certificate can be earned at CCAC in as little as 16 weeks along with an American Welding Society certification in shielded metal arc welding. As the nation’s infrastructure ages, the need for welders grows to repair and maintain bridges, highways, buildings, and more. In as little as eight months, students at Rosedale Tech can receive extensive hands-on training that gives them the confidence and skills to feel prepared for a career in the welding industry. 38 • Allegheny West Magazine • August/September 2020Electromechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians Salary range: $34,190 - $77,050 According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics While mechatronics isn’t specifically listed in the state’s list of high priority occupations, it does have a wide range of applications. Mechatronics combines mechanical and electrical engineering with software knowledge to automate almost anything. Skilled technicians in the field are in demand as technology continues to drive innovation and efficiency in just about every industry. CCAC offers certificate and degree options in mechatronics technology. Bus & Truck Mechanics & Diesel Engine Specialists Salary range: $38,290 - $60,860 Expected growth in job demand through 2026: 8.4% Rosedale Tech’s diesel technology program has seen significant growth in recent years, particularly due to the regional growth of the oil and gas industry. Students in this program receive real, hands-on training by working on actual vehicles, including the tractor trailers used in the college’s CDL program. Graduates from this program will be prepared to work on a variety of diesel-powered vehicles and equipment, such as buses, trucks and construction vehicles and equipment. Heavy & Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Salary range: $35,950 - $56,620 Expected growth in job demand through 2026: 9.6% Truck drivers are essential to keep America moving and the career can offer exciting opportunities. Commercial driver’s license (CDL) jobs can be local or cross-country positions. Rosedale’s 10- week CDL program trains students on preventive maintenance and vehicle systems, driving operation and safety, and driving skills. Students have the opportunity to receive their Class-A CDL license. Automotive Body & Related Repairers Average annual salary: $33,740 - $52,920 Expected growth in job demand through 2026: 9% As long as there are vehicles on the road, there will be a need for auto body and collision repair technicians. Rosedale Tech’s I-CAR certified collision repair program offers training for skills such as auto refinishing, glass replacement, welding, painting and more. Students have the opportunity to earn I-CAR Pro Level Series certifications during school and test to become ASE certified technicians. Industrial Machinery Mechanics Average annual salary: $42,450 - $62,380 Expected growth in job demand through 2026: 7.9% Industrial technicians are the mechanics of the manufacturing industry and these individuals to work in a number of different organizations. Deemed the “jack of all trades,” Rosedale Tech’s industrial technician program trains in areas such as industrial mechanics, hydraulics, basic electrical and construction wiring, motor repair, welding, and more. Electricians Salary range: $36,170 - $69,900 Expected growth in job demand through 2026: 7.6% A career as an electrician keeps businesses running and offers a wide range of opportunities in residential, commercial and industrial industries. The field is constantly evolving, especially with the growing world of automation. Students at Rosedale Tech learn from a comprehensive curriculum through real, hands-on work. Many graduates have even gone on to open their own electrical businesses. August/September 2020 • www.awmagazine.com • 39Next >