POINT PLEASANT — The Mason County Career Center served as host to the Advisory Committee meeting and dinner Tuesday evening.

Ruth Caplinger, Mason County Vocational Director, welcomed the guests and introduced the many board members that were in attendance. Among those present were student organization officers Ashley Filkins, State Officer for FBLA; Amanda Hannon and Russell Kidwell, FFA Career and Technical officers; and Tyler Toles, State SkillsUSA officer.

A brief discussion was held with the Board of Education members who were present.

New business introduced by Dr. Linda Smith included the proposal of creating a city skate park. Representatives for the City of Point Pleasant were present to discuss the plan.

As for old business, a new part-time teacher may be hired for the expansion of the Agriculture Science program. The information about the program will be added to the course book and students who are currently enrolled in the classes are recruiting other students.

The Mason County Career Center school improvement plan detailed ways to improve the WorkKeys Test scores, as well as a one year follow up study.

The WorkKeys Test, which is 75 percent reading and interpreting data, graphs and charts, and is highly integrated into work and industry. The advisory board discussed ways to improve math scores, as well as ways to incorporate math into all education to make it more relevant for students. Job placement and availability of a counselor were also topics brought to the attention of the members.

The one-year follow up will help better prepare the students for jobs after graduation and industry work. The board also plans to make revisions to the 2008-2009 school improvement plan on this topic by better analyzing the feedback and using test booklets as a resource and teaching tool.

Workforce projections and advice and ideas from industry were briefly touched upon before the members enjoyed a dinner served by the Prostart Culinary Program students.

A moment of silence and a blessing was given by Sam Nibert, Faculty Senate President, before dinner. Afterwards, he, along with Caplinger, recognized Homer Preece and Dr. Keith Cotroneo for their Career and Technical Education and Higher Education Partnerships.

Preece, who works with the Dual-Credit Program through Marshall University and the Mid-Ohio Valley Center, received a certificate of recognition. Cotroneo, President of Marshall Community and Technical College, also was presented with a certificate.

Caplinger, along with the staff of the career center, showed their appreciation for the programs and for the work of Preece and Cotroneo. The vocational director said added that 302 students are enrolled in evening classes through the Marshall Community and Technical College.