“We have a good problem” said Mineola ISD Superintendent Randy Hancock at the board meeting Monday night. The success of the career and technical education (CTE) programs have created a space issue.  

The program is growing and will be moving into its second, third and fourth years next year, requiring shop space. There is no place to expand classroom and shop space in the high school building.

MISD has made the decision to convert the maintenance building back into classrooms because of its ideal location behind the high school. The back side of the maintenance building will be used as shop space for the new industrial engineering and HVAC programs. 

As it is, there are safety concerns with the current maintenance location because of the gate opening and closing often to allow maintenance vehicles to enter and exit.

“The maintenance building needs to be moved and this is the perfect time to do that,” said Hancock about using the building to meet the needs of the students. 

Maintenance will be relocated to the back of the transportation building. 

MISD will begin pursuing bids for the construction of the new maintenance facility and for the renovation of the existing maintenance facility.

By the Dec. 16 board meeting, bids should be available for approval.

Hancock reminded the board that maintenance has to be moved out before renovation can take place, and renovation must be completed before the start of next school year.

Kelsie Browning, a senior medical assisting student and president of Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA), spoke to the board about the importance of CTE programs and expansion. 

A year ago, her grandfather passed away of Parkinson’s disease. Before his passing, Browning made a promise to him that she would go through nursing school. Because of the CTE programs, she is one step closer to that goal.

When Browning graduates, she will leave high school with her medical assistant, phlebotomy and CPR certifications and will have an externship. She will be workplace ready and able to pay for her own college education.

“This is all possible because you have invested in me and our education,” said Browning.

She pointed out that CTE programs are also preparing her friends, some of whom do not plan to attend college, for jobs after high school. Students with interests in HVAC, industrial maintenance and programs other than welding and agriculture, will be able to get technical training without the hardship of paying for college.

“Thank you for caring enough about me, our future and our education,” said Browning.