High school students in East Aurora School District 131 can officially opt to take a new advanced welding course the district is offering, starting next school year.
The new East Aurora High School course, Welding III, was formally approved by the district’s school board at its meeting on Monday.
At Monday’s school board meeting, Saul Olivas, the board’s vice president, explained that the new course is meant to “expand career and technical education opportunities for students.”
The class, which is to be offered starting in the 2026-27 school year, will provide students with advanced industry skills and leadership experience, and will support workforce readiness, Olivas said. The advanced course will focus on skills like “multi-pass,” “out-of-position” and “groove” welds, according to a memo from East Aurora High School Principal Jennifer Mitchell about the new course.
In doing so, the course is meant to provide “opportunities to decrease the gaps of college enrollment and career preparedness,” the memo from Mitchell stated.
It’s set to be offered as a yearlong course, open to students in grades 10, 11 and 12 who have completed Welding I and II. Students who complete the course would earn dual credit through Waubonsee Community College.
The class will also offer students opportunities to teach other students in the district’s introductory welding course, officials have said.
At a previous meeting, East Aurora High School Assistant Principal Jackie Stone indicated that the new course will not require additional staff.
mmorrow@chicagotribune.com
