The most effective school districts are the ones that make sure the needs of every student are met, not just the highest academic achievers or the most athletically talented. Ohio County Schools is showing its mettle in that regard with a new program for its career and technical education students at Wheeling Park High School.

The school is starting a program where students can earn certification in building automation systems while in high school. It’s a partnership with West Virginia Northern Community College.

Students who complete the program exit high school with a capstone industry certification as a BAS technician. That person installs, programs, and troubleshoots computerized control systems for commercial HVAC, lighting, and security, optimizing for energy efficiency and comfort.

“It’s a needed field and a growing field, and these are well-paying jobs,” Ohio County Schools Assistant Superintendent Rick Jones said. “If you left Wheeling Park High School after two years in our program, you would be credentialed. The pay on the average is $70,000 for what we offer.”

If those kids get further certifications at WVNCC, that pay could rise to $100,000.

There are multiple pathways to good jobs for our youth, and the technical fields are a big part of them. New workers in those fields are sorely needed, and Ohio County Schools’ new program will be a growing pathway for many of its students to find success post-graduation outside of a college environment. Hopefully, more such programs are on the horizon.