JVS welcomes new staff members

BLOOMINGDALE -- The newest staff members at Jefferson County Joint Vocational School were welcomed to the facility after being approved by the school board on June 30.

A bevy of new instructors and other staffers were hired under one-year limited contracts during the regular monthly session, including Keith Kaczor, who will head the returning HVAC program; Renee Decker, who will lead the multimedia and design course; Robert "Hank" Crawford, who will take over the welding program; Deanna Williams, who joins as a science instructor; Matthew Weber, who will teach agricultural and environmental science; Mitch Hukill, who was added as a math instructor; and Jamie Spencer, a current staffer who will now become a main office receptionist/secretary-in-training.

The incoming staffers introduced themselves to the board and noted their excitement to work with the school and its students.

Kaczor, who has extensive experience instructing HVACR (heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration) at Belmont College, will be in charge of the program as it returns to the school. Kaczor said he also has ties to local businesses and supporters and will get students ready to join the workforce.

"I'm excited for the opportunities the students are going to have," he said. "I look forward to having 100% placement. [The field is] very diversified."

Decker has a background ranging from information technology to public relations and marketing and intends to share her knowledge with her students.

"I'm just excited to build and grow the program," she remarked.

Williams, who most recently taught at Weir High School, was thrilled to continue educating students at the JVS.

"Hopefully we will include college-level science courses," she said.

Hukill said he most recently worked in the Indian Creek Local School District teaching math and serving as the middle school athletic director, but now he is bringing his expertise to the vocational school.

Weber, a recent WLU graduate, was also ready to begin instructing students in the realm of environmental and agricultural science.

"I'm looking forward to building [the classes] to help students get more hands-on learning," he added.

Spencer, who has been employed as a special education aide at the JVS, said she was excited to learn the ropes to eventually succeed current secretary Robin McGlone. Meanwhile, Crawford was not on hand to discuss his new role with the welding program but replaces longtime instructor Todd Parker in the position.

Superintendent Ted Gorman welcomed the staffers on board and said they will be true assets to the vocational school.

"We are very excited about our HVAC program. Keith Kaczor is an excellent educator who comes to us from the college field, and he is looking forward to building a strong HVAC program here at the JVS. We have very high numbers for our first year, and our goal is for students to finish the program with every license and credential possible," Gorman said. "Renee Decker is going to bring high energy and fresh ideas to our multimedia and design program. She has a lot of great ideas for moving the program forward, and we are looking forward to seeing her help that program grow. Our students will benefit from her creativity, her enthusiasm and her commitment to giving them real-world skills."

He added that Crawford was a JVS graduate who was returning to his roots to train the next generation.

"Hank Crawford is coming to us directly from the welding field, where he is currently working full time in the industry. That experience is very important because he has the real-world knowledge needed to help our students navigate a career in welding. He is also a Jefferson County JVS alumnus, and we are excited to welcome him back."

Additionally, he heralded Hukill, Weber and Williams as they joined the academic faculty and gave a nod to Spencer for her new post in the office.

"Adding Matthew Weber and Dee Williams to our science program is going to be a great addition. Both bring a lot of energy, and both enjoy doing hands-on labs with their students. I was very impressed with both of them during the interview process, and I believe they will be a great fit for our JVS staff," he commented. "The environmental/ag science program is not new, but it is a program we are looking to expand. We see a lot of opportunity for growth in that area, and we want to continue giving our students more options that connect to real career pathways.

"Mitch Hukill is joining our math department and brings experience that will benefit our students. We are looking forward to working with him, and we believe he will be a positive addition to our building and to the students he serves.

"Jamie Spencer has already been part of our staff, serving as a special education aide. She is someone who truly cares about our students and about every student in our building. She also has a love and passion for helping people, and I believe she is going to be a great addition to our staff in her new role."

Among other personnel matters, the board:

-- Approved summer employment extended service for instructor Anthony Materna to prepare the heavy equipment operation (HEO) grounds and lab for renovations, 60 hours; maintenance worker Shawn Zarych, 80 hours to cut grass; instructors Brianne Schoolcraft and Lillian Thrasher, 20 hours each to prepare the cosmetology lab; criminal justice instructor Jamie Freeman, 20 hours for updates and preparation; and early childhood education instructor Amy Rusnak, 20 hours for license preparation.

-- Approved summer employment for Evelyn Lansford and Beau Hudson.

-- Approved a contract with Megan Jarvis as mental health professional from Aug. 1, 2026, to July 31, 2027.

-- Approved the resignations of classified personnel Karen Gibson and Lori Borham for the purpose of retirement, effective June 1.

-- Approved the substitute teacher and classified substitute lists for the upcoming school year.

-- Approved an adult education program coordinator agreement from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027.