Change is in the air at Portage Lakes Career Center and it is coming in the form of program shifts, new equipment and facility upgrades.

Interim Superintendent Jim Brown said the changes will “get more kids served by this district. That’s the ultimate goal.”

During the April 17 meeting of the career center’s board of education, Brown outlined proposed changes that included expanding the cosmetology lab to accommodate an additional 16 students. The program traditionally has more students signing up for classes than there’s room for, explained Brown.

Machine trades could be cut, due to a lack of enrollment. Brown said students continue to pursue  training  in electrical and welding.

The facility needs attention as well, said Brown. Tuck-pointing is needed because water is leaking into the school.

Computers will be upgraded to a tune of approximately $100,000 next year.

“You have my support,” Board Member Jay Dettore told Brown. He added that efficiency, integrity and fiscal responsibility are important and sometimes you have to spend money. Wiring hanging from ceilings and poor computers were unacceptable. “We wouldn’t tolerate such things in our home school districts.”

The board approved approximately $50,000 in textbooks for math, English, culinary arts, science, automotive technology and public safety.

In other business, Secondary Principal Paulette Prince introduced Jessica Watkins, a student who qualified for national competition held in Reno, Nevada. While most board members and staffers offered to chaperone or drive her to the competition, the board approved her trip in June. Watkins will be accompanied by her teacher, Debbie Snyder.

The board agreed to meet Aug. 14. The open house for junior students and parents is Aug. 21.