Local dealership donates $20,000 to school district’s new automotive program
Rett Nelson, EastIdahoNews.com
SUGAR CITY – Months after Sugar-Salem School District 322 broke ground on a new Career Technical Education Center, Stone’s Town & Country Motors in Rexburg is making a contribution.
Stone’s presented a $20,000 check to the school district on Wednesday morning. Company President Mitch Loveland tells EastIdahoNews.com this is the first of what will be an annual donation to the district to help support its automotive tech program.
“We don’t have a program like that in the Upper Valley that’s available to us,” Loveland says. “As an auto dealer, it’s extremely difficult to get technicians. It takes a lot of knowledge, skill and training … and when (the district) told me about (the automotive program), I jumped at the chance (to contribute) because it will help us recruit employees.”
Loveland says they plan to contribute at least $10,000 annually for an undetermined amount of time. Former General Manager Jason Grover has been pushing for an automotive program in Sugar City for years because his dad used to teach it.
This donation is just a small part of the project’s overall cost, which is about $4 million. Most of it is being funded through the Idaho Career Ready Students grant.
School District Superintendent Jared Jenks says Stone’s annual donation will provide equipment not available through the grant, including lifts, air compressors, and other tools students will need to work.
Jenks is grateful for Stone’s partnership in this endeavor and the opportunities it’s creating for students.
“We look forward to working with them in the future and providing employees for them,” Jenks says.
Automotive tech is one of three programs that will be housed in the Career Technical Education Center. It will also include a welding and certified nursing assistant program. Take a tour of the building in the video above.
Career Technical Education Center under construction on the south side of Sugar-Salem High School | Rett Nelson, EastIdahoNews.com
Construction on the 16,500-square-foot building on the south side of Sugar-Salem High School began in September. It is slated for completion in August.
Other businesses have also partnered with the district to provide opportunities for students. Taylor Chevrolet and Woody Smith Hyundai will participate in the automotive program. Mountain View Hospital and MadisonHealth will be involved in the nursing program, with MadisonHealth providing the instructor.
“They’ll offer the courses through Workforce Readiness and also work with the College of Eastern Idaho to provide opportunities for students to get college credit while they’re enrolled in the CNA program,” Jenks says.
With the increasing demand for skilled trade workers in recent years, Jenks is thrilled to provide another option for students going forward.
“We put a lot of emphasis on kids getting four-year degrees, which is still very important. But there are so many opportunities in the trades … that we need to provide those opportunities for students to get the initial training that will put them on the path to receive a certificate and a high-paying job,” Jenks says.