March 27, 2025
By Akil E. Ross, Sr.
There are significant opportunities on the horizon for our students, thanks to the passage of the 2024 bond referendum. School District Five will enhance the Career and Technical Education (CTE) program to prepare our students for the future of work.
The establishment of an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Lab and Digital Solutions Lab at Dutch Fork High School, enhancing its status as a STEM program and prepare students for careers in future technologies like robotics and AI.
A new Construction Infrastructure Development Lab at the Center for Advanced Technical Studies will address the demand for skilled labor in construction, expanding training in welding, electricity, and heavy equipment operation.
A small business incubator at Irmo High School will empower students to become job creators by offering work-based learning experiences, entrepreneurial training, and opportunities to develop market-ready solutions.
The referendum funds will facilitate the establishment of an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Lab and Digital Solutions Lab at Dutch Fork High School. Dutch Fork is recognized as a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) school of choice in School District Five. The aim is to elevate the school’s STEM focus to a new level by focusing on future technologies such as robotics and digital solutions. The introduction of the Seaman Engineering Lab, set to open in the 2025-2026 school year, is highlighted as a pathway for students to gain essential skills for high-demand jobs in innovative fields. Parents are encouraged to take note of the promising career prospects available in AI and robotics. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics states that AI has an increasing presence in the 10-year outlook for employment projections.
Our nation needs solutions for the workforce shortages in the construction sector. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates an average of 663,500 job openings each year in the construction fields. School District Five will use bond referendum funds to create a Construction Infrastructure Development Lab at the Center for Advanced Technical Studies, which will expand programs in various skilled trades, including welding, electrical work, and heavy equipment operation. The new additions to the facility will also provide training in drone technology and diesel technician courses, thereby enriching the employment pipeline with skilled labor.
A small business incubator program at Irmo High School is designed to fuel the local economy by training future small business owners and operators. Small businesses are the backbone of job creation in the United States. The incubator will empower students to become job creators rather than just job seekers. Through work-based learning experiences, students will be involved in entrepreneurial projects akin to the Shark Tank format, allowing them to develop innovative solutions for the marketplace. The proposal includes transforming the old cafeteria into a vibrant space for the incubator, featuring a MakerSpace and areas for practical learning.
There are many exciting opportunities for our students and staff throughout School District Five, and I invite the community to review our annual report to learn about the successes in the district. The district’s theme, “The Growing Season,” reflects its commitment to nurturing student success across academics, athletics, and the arts. Overall, the success of the 2024 bond referendum represents a pivotal opportunity for enhancing educational resources and preparing students for future careers, ultimately fostering a thriving community.
Akil E. Ross, Sr., Ed.D.
Superintendent
