Agenda Item
a. FY25 Heavy Equipment Operations Pathway Simulator Grant (Not to exceed $324,000)
Summary: Presented by: Ms. Stacy E. Stepney, Chief Academic Officer, Division of Curriculum & Instruction
Request: It is requested that the Board of Education approve the Georgia Department of Education (GADOE) Heavy Equipment Operations (HEO) Pathway Simulator Grant in the amount of $324,000 to purchase heavy equipment simulators from SIMFORMOTION for the implementation of the Heavy Equipment Operations pathway at Dunwoody High School during the 2024-2025 school year.
Why: The GADOE HEO Pathway Simulator Grant will establish the first HEO pathway at Dunwoody High School in January 2025. This pathway addresses the growing demand for skilled heavy equipment operators in metropolitan Atlanta, thereby meeting local industry needs. Students will have the opportunity to earn industry credentials such as the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) Level 1 HEO Certification through hands-on learning that provides practical, industry-aligned skills.
Details: With support from industry partners such as CW Matthews, E.R. Snell, and Stewart Brothers, students will receive instruction aligned with industry standards, hands-on learning with the latest simulators, and exposure to work-based learning and industry experiences to aid career and workforce development.
The DeKalb County School District agrees to:
Collaborate with local industry partners and Dunwoody High School to monitor and support the implementation of the new pathway.
Implement the three approved HEO pathway courses. These courses are Industry Fundamentals and Occupational Safety (Level 1), Introduction to Heavy Equipment (Level 2), and Operations of Heavy Equipment (Level 3).
Ensure a standard classroom is used to accommodate the required simulators and support direct instruction in each course.
Purchase HEO simulators to be used in all HEO pathway courses.
Make available the industry credentials and certifications and work-based learning opportunities for students.
Partner with post-secondary institutions to provide Dual Enrollment opportunities for students enrolled in the HEO pathway.
Increase enrollment in the HEO pathway and the number of students earning an industry credential.
Plan and implement Capstone Projects that require live utilization of the heavy equipment by the student at an approved industry-partner or employer worksite to demonstrate the skills developed at the completion of the HEO pathway.
Financial impact: Grant funds will be used to reimburse DeKalb County School District for the purchase of the simulators required for the HEO pathway implementation in an amount not to exceed $324,000.
Charge Code:
100.1000.573000.74241.7940.3574.8010.035.0000
Contact: Ms. Stacy E. Stepney, Chief Academic Officer, Division of Curriculum & Instruction, 678.676.0731
Dr. Sean R. Tartt, Deputy Chief Academic Officer, Division of Curriculum & Instruction, 678.676.0137
Dr. Rose Prejean-Harris, Assistant Superintendent (6-12), Division of Curriculum & Instruction, 678.676.0137
Mrs. Doryiane Gunter, Director, CTAE & STEM/STEAM Programs, Division of Curriculum & Instruction, 678.676.0451
Effective: October 8, 2024 - June 30, 2025
Status: Approved by Office of Legal Affairs