Keeping in step with their commitment to providing a plethora of project-based learning opportunities and career readiness classes for their district’s students, the Mancos school district launched its first commercial driver’s license course at the end of January.
The program marks “a significant step in career readiness” for students. Four senior students have taken part in the program’s first round, eagerly beginning “their journey toward earning their CLD certification.”
The course is led by the district’s transportation director Bart Small, who teaches the instructional part of the course, and Superintendent Toddy Cordrey, who obtained his CDL during last year’s drone pilot program. Department of Transportation physicals will be administered by Dr. Opie Hainey, ensuring that students meet the health standards required to earn their CDL.
The course’s first four students, Chauncey Aspromonte, Drake Kobel, Waylon Hale and Cutter Bell successfully passed the written test and behind-the-wheel test to officially earn their CDL.
In an email shared with The Journal, Bell’s parents, Brandon and Ewa Bell, expressed their thoughts on the program.
“I recognize that this initiative required significant effort and funding, and I am truly appreciative of your dedication to making such resources available for our students,” they said. “Achieving a CDL is a substantial milestone for them, serving as a gateway to numerous career possibilities. They have had multiple opportunities throughout high school to learn and get exposure to other trades. I believe that this is extremely valuable to these kids and hope that programs like this continue.”
The district shared that the program was made possible through “generous contributions” from the community.
According to the district, Small “introduced the newest addition” to transportation “fleet,” a 2016 International truck, which was donated by Piggyback Towing and Transportation.
“This vehicle allows students to gain valuable hands-on experience, better preparing them for their CDL tests,” the district said.
Tucker Transportation Inc., located in Cortez, also donated a trailer and $5,000 to the program.
“To ensure the sustainability and growth of this initiative, a grant has been submitted to secure additional funding,” the district shared. “We anticipate learning the outcome of this grant application in April. … This CDL course is a testament to the power of community collaboration and the district’s commitment to providing students with meaningful career-readiness opportunities.”
The cost of the program is approximately $8,000 per student, and has been mostly covered because of to the support of the community through donations and partnerships.
“Students are asked to make a very small financial contribution, which helps offset the cost of taking the permit test and the on-site physical,” the district said. “By offering practical training and partnerships with local businesses, the program equips students with the skills and certifications needed to pursue rewarding careers in transportation and logistics.”
The program was created to help continue to equip Mancos students with “career-ready skills” and open doors “to high-demand job opportunities.”
Students who successfully earn their CDL will be able to work in careers such as commercial trucking, construction, agriculture, transportation logistics and public service sectors, including school bus driving and municipal operations, the district shared, adding that “these careers offer competitive wages, job security and the potential for advancement.”
The district also thanked its “generous” donors and partners who have helped make the program possible.
The second group of students who will begin working toward their CDL are slated to start in March.
“We are excited to see this program thrive and are celebrating the successes of our first cohort,” the district finished. “Thank you to all who have contributed to making this vision a reality.”
