Purdy High School approves jobs program

District hopes to see more students working, learning

BY MIKE GERVAIS Cassville Democrat

Changes are coming to Purdy schools.

The Purdy School Board recently approved changes to its website, made plans to ultimately own its entire bus fleet, and kicked off a new program that will allow high school students receive school credit for on-the-job work experience.

High School Principal Brian Anton said he is focusing on creating a high school expe-

Work And School

Who: Purdy School Board

What: Approves JAG program

Why: To give students an opportunity to work and earn money and school credits rience that can be tailored to individual needs of individual students and ensure that those attending classes, whether college bound or planning an immediate entrance into the workforce, leave the Purdy school system with a diploma.

With that in mind, Anton requested permission from the School Board last week to begin offering a Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) program for local students.

Anton said JAG is a schoolto-work program that also serves as a school dropout pre-

CASSVILLE YMCA

Who: Rick Ragsdale vention program by incentivizing students who may not be interested in traditional school routines to continue with their education in exchange for an opportunity to get an early start in the workforce.

Anton said he has worked with students who are eager to leave high school behind, and implementing the JAG program will give those students an opportunity to earn school credits while working.

In 2019, 90 percent of JAG students graduated and 60 percent had full time jobs. Thirty five percent of JAG students also continued on to higher education.

“This program serves students who have academic potential, but who also face significant barriers, such as

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