In July a tractor lifting pallets fell through the floor in room C130, leaving students and teachers unsure about the future of the automotive shop.
“We are actively bringing in engineers and inspectors trying to figure out our next steps,” said principal Michael Patt. “We are also bringing in Architectural engineers to make sure everything is done correctly and we can take every measure to make sure this doesn’t happen again.”
According to administrators, all employees stayed safe and injury-free by the tractor.
“I was actually on vacation when I was made aware of the incident,” said Pratt. “My number one priority was making sure everyone was safe and uninjured.”
Automotive teacher Dan Baker shared his insight on his experience.
“Overall it has been very stressful so far because everything has happened so fast,” said Baker. “Even though I’m still learning to teach, I am extremely confident in my ability to adapt to whatever comes my way.”
Baker shared some insight on future plans for the automotive shop.
“There is a new building being put in by the football field, which will be our temporary home until the shop is fixed,” said Baker. “It’ll be much bigger than our current shop and we’ll actually be able to work on cars.”
This semester automotive classes will take place in the wood working shop.
“Mr. [Dan] Baker, [Automotive teacher] has done an extremely good job adapting to the new situation,” said junior Camden Buckley. “We are doing some small engine work and welding so far.”
Junior Caleb Devault agreed.
“Mr. Baker is doing the best he can even though he doesn’t have much to work with,” said Devault
Despite Mr. Baker’s efforts to adjust to the new shop, several students expressed negative feedback on the automotive experience.
“Auto hasn’t been anything like it was in the past,” said senior Alex Zekos. “We can’t work on any cars and the days are becoming repetitive.”
Junior Brenden Noone agreed.
“It sucks not being able to work on cars, which is the whole purpose of the class,” said Noone. “I feel it’s affected everyone because the working space is so small.”
Several students said they remain hopeful about the future.
“I’m excited for the shop to be fixed so when I take auto I can experience the full class,” said freshman Daniel Nadutey.
Sophomore Liam Kimball shared a similar perspective.
“We’re still learning a lot about tools and small engines right now,” said Kimball. “Everything we’re learning now will help us when we finally are able to go in the real shop.”
Pratt had good news regarding the new shop and fixing the old one.
“We have a three month plan in place for a new building and temporary automotive shop,” said Pratt. “Mr Baker has done a phenomenal job with the current situation, and everyone involved is extremely excited for the future of auto.”
UPDATE: As of the printing of this article, the new building is completed and the students have started working in the space. Stay tuned for new photos!
