By PHYLLIS ZORN

Staff writer

Peabody-Burns USD 398 is moving closer to launching an automotive technology maintenance and repair certification program.

High school principal Scott Kimble said the program is a two-year program taught by Butler Community College, with Butler instructors at Peabody.

Butler classes will be from 8-11 a.m. Students will then attend their normal high school classes.

“A lot of the classes are dual credit classes,” Kimble said.

Instead of doubling up with other classes for their high school diploma, students would take an English composition class as part of the automotive program, and it would substitute for senior English.

School officials will meet in January with officials of other Marion County school districts to discuss the program, which Butler wants to make available to any county student who wants to attend.

Cost to parents will be minimal, Kimble said.

“There are high school scholarships available through Butler.”

It also would not be necessary to buy an entire set of tools before graduation.

“What we’re probably going to do is buy two toolboxes and kids would share a toolbox,” Kimble said. “While they are here at the school they would utilize the tools.”

A final semester, taken at the Butler campus, would earn students an Automotive Service Excellence certification.

Peabody-Burns will need only minimal modification to offer the program. It already has a shop in place, and might add an extra car lift, Kimble said.

“I think it’s a good thing for the Marion County community,” Kimble said.