Page 39 - 2017 GPISD Honor Board Application

4. Support for Educational

Improvement Projects

and School Transformation Initiatives

Maritime and Welding Programs
The Board of Trustees is responsive to
the needs of local industry and supports
innovative programs such as Maritime
& Logistics education. Galena Park ISD
has collaborated with the Port of Houston
Authority to develop this vital program that
serves the needs of the second busiest port in
the United States, as well as helping students
access lucrative employment opportunities in
this industry. The Board was instrumental in
funding the purchase of a ship bridge simulator,
which provides students with the realistic,
virtual experience of piloting a barge. With
strong Board support, several GPISD students
have earned positions in maritime companies
after graduation.

In the spring of 2016, the Board of Trustees was
informed there was a waiting list of 140 students
interested in welding at one of our high schools.
The Board not only supported the CTE program
with an additional welding position, but they
also approved the repurposing of an existing
facility for a new welding shop. New
electrical wiring in the
building, welding booths
and machines were
purchased and installed
before school started in
the fall of 2016. With
this crucial Board support,
GPISD CTE program
offerings continue to serve
the needs of our students
and business community.

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