TCTC to upgrade cosmetology program

By Jordan Cohen | March 14, 2008 at 12:00a.m.

The state delayed action on a proposal that could include a community college for the Valley.

CHAMPION — The Trumbull Career and Technical Center will spend $725,000 for what are described as urgently needed upgrades to the cosmetology program.

Work is expected to begin in June upon completion of the current school year.

“We have to meet new standards set by the state, and we can’t do that with the equipment we have,” said Roger Samuelson, TCTC board representative from Champion. “Some of what we’ve been using has been here since the school was built in the 1970s.”

Samuelson told the career center board during its meeting Thursday that funds already have been budgeted for the improvements, but the program needs even more.

“We would like to move the program from its current location to another part of the building, but I’ve been advised by the treasurer we don’t have the funds. However, at least we’ll meet state qualifications in the time frame and be able to accommodate more students,” Samuelson said.

In another item, Robert Faulkner, board vice president from Warren, said the state has delayed action on a massive education proposal, which could include a community college for the Mahoning Valley.

“We’re the only region of Ohio that doesn’t have a community college,” Faulkner said, adding that he expects Eric Fingerhut, the state’s education chancellor, to reveal more about the program in December.

The board voted to form a committee to review its administrative salary structure. President Jeff Mathews of Joseph Badger said the review will precede a board vote on new contracts for Superintendent Wayne McClain and Treasurer Gary Ghizzoni at its next meeting. At Ghizzoni’s request, the board has moved the meeting date to April 3 instead of the originally scheduled April 10.

The TCTC board consists of one representative from each of Trumbull County’s 19 school districts.