Industrial tech makes its case to Argo school board

At this month’s Argo school board meeting, it was time for Mike Cognetti, head of the industrial tech, business, family and consumer science department to let board members know what the department is about.

The department’s business section includes classes such as accounting, introduction to business and consumer education.

Family consumer science classes include culinary arts, child development, fashion and interior design.

Industrial technology has classes in car care, computer-assisted drafting, computers, graphic arts, 3-D animation, welding, woods and media design.

ÒWe have the most programs in the area,” said Cognetti. ÒSome classes have dual credit with Moraine Valley.”

Ò792 students a day” take at least one of the classes according to Cognetti. Ò213 take more than one. Most repeaters are seniors.”

ÒIndustry certification is available in many classes. (Students) can get certified right away.”{{more}}

A certification test is required.

The dual credit can Òsave about $70,000 in tuition,” he added.

ÒStudents are able to reach their goals sooner. They can start college in higher classes. They are a year to a year and a half ahead of everyone else.”

ÒWe want to ensure the curriculum is aligned with college.”

Students can also participate in MVCC competitions in cooking, pastry, auto, CAD, graphic arts, IT, electronics and welding.

ÒWe had a student come in third in welding,” said Cognetti.

Supt. Kevin O’Mara said, ÒMike does a good job staying ahead of the curve.”

The school has also started using a 3-D printer.

ÒThe students are well versed. They are using assembly now, where pieces make up the entire part.”

In other new, William Toulios was announced as the assistant principal starting next school year. He is currently the humanities department chairman. Toulios will replace current Assistant Principal Timothy Clark.

Senior art student Eric Ortiz has been approved to paint a mural on the north wall of room 109. The mural is to be finished by the end of the school year.

O’Mara asked the board for resolutions to name the school garden after retiring teacher Del Essig and to change the name of Galvin Field to Galvin/Innis Field,. Innis has been the longest tenured football coach at Argo, spanning 28 years.

The board asked to put the requests on hold.