BLOOMINGDALE - The Crestview Inn at the Jefferson County Joint Vocational School will close next school year.
Board members Tuesday voted in favor of a resolution that will shut down the restaurant's daily operation after culinary arts instructor Angie Allison presented information on the benefits that moving strictly to catering services would provide her students.
"It's about our students and creativity. They enjoy catering because it's a chance for them to try new things and work one-on-one with the customers developing unique dishes," said Allison.
She said the extra time during the day not spent preparing the restaurant will allow her students to engage in other important activities, such as learning more exotic cuisine, preparing for certification tests, cake and cupcake wars and getting ready for the ProStart competition.
"These are the things my students really enjoy, and the move toward catering only is something that's happening in the industry as well as a lot of other schools," said Allison.
The JVS is the first ProStart school in the area, according to Allison, and she said the opportunities that provides her students are important.
The ProStart program is supported by the National Restaurant Association and blends classroom learning with mentored work experience to teach high school students the management and culinary skills needed for a career in the restaurant industry. It currently serves 78,000 students in 1,650 schools nationwide, according to officials.
Allison discussed the importance of the annual National ProStart Invitational.
The competition includes teams representing more than 39 states, territories and districts that showcase their culinary and management skills. She said during their first entry last year, her students finished with an immense sense of pride. More than $1 million in scholarships were given away to competitors.
Allison explained that ProStart certification program works in conjunction with more than 60 two-year and four-year colleges to provide opportunities for culinary and hospitality management degrees.
The Crestview Inn, previously open from noon to 1:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, will close at the end of the school year.
"Our advisory committee that works with Angie (Allison) is familiar with the restaurant and food industry and when they see changes occurring they pass that on to her. This is what's out there and things are changing," said Superintendent Dale Edwards about the school's new focus on catering. "It excites the students and we want the best education for them. This shift will allow them to have more certificates and references when they go to find a job."
In other matters, Edwards said the Senior Recognition and Awards Banquet is set to be held on May 17 at the school.
A letter from the president of the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation was read stating the auto technician program received master accreditation, which Edwards said is the highest level of recognition given.
The board also:
Approved a continuing contract for Tom Horne, Natalie Campana-Lucas and Jamie Wells.
Approved the re-employment of Cecilia Abdalla as the district's technology program and career technical assessment coordinator and awarded a two-year limited contract.
Approved re-employment of the following licensed staff members: Rebecca Kelly and Casey Magyar, one-year contracts; Christina Henderson, two-year contract; and Angie Allison and Roger Hilty, four-year contracts.
Approved re-employment of the following classified and support staff: Patty Felmet and Dawn Pugh, two-year contracts.
Approved the closing of the computer-aided drafting and design program due to low student enrollment. The closing of the program will result in a reduction in force and the suspension of Jeff Frye's contract.
Accepted the resignation of Marshall Clark, effective May 31, for the purpose of retirement after 29 years of service, and Henry Sheets, effective May 31, after 10 years of service.
Approved the elimination of a teaching position due to fiscal reasons and low enrollment in the auto-service technician program.
Approved co-advisers Roger Hilty and Tammy Sismondo and three chaperones to take 23 students to the SkillsUSA State Competition on April 27-28 in Columbus.
Approved adviser John Ramsey to take three students to the Future Farmers of America State Agriculture Mechanic Skills Contest and to the FFA State Outdoor Power Contest on April 26-27 in Wooster.
Approved a trip for up to 13 students to attend the 2012 Health Occupations Students of America National Competition in Orlando, Fla., on June 19-24.
