CLEARFIELD – Due to escalating expenses, the Clearfield County Career and Technology Center agreed to raise tuition for the 2008-09 academic year during the regular meeting of the Joint Operating Committee Monday night.
William Carbone, assistant director of the CCCTC, said the truck driving program has seen heightened expenses due to fuel prices.
“I have no idea where the fuel prices are going,” he said. “I’ve heard people saying $7 per gallon.”
Carbone suggested the center up tuition to $5,700 for the truck driving program.
“I know it’s a big jump, but we have to because of fuel prices. Right now, we’re paying about $700 to fill one truck,” he said.
Lois Richards, executive director of the CCCTC, said it costs the center approximately $650 per student each week.
She said the truck driving program runs 320 hours over an eight-week period.
Joseph Dugan, Moshannon Valley School District representative, asked about the tuition prices for the same program at other schools.
Carbone said he wasn‘t sure, but others would certainly have to increase their program costs as well.
“We can always readjust it next year,” he said.
Dugan also asked if the truck driving program has seen a decline in student enrollment.
“I haven’t seen one, but local firms have closed their doors,” Carbone said.
Dugan agreed, “I think a lot of independent drivers have parked their trucks and marginal firms have closed their doors.”
Carbone also said two new truck driver training programs would be offered, with the following tuition rates.
He said a three-week Class B course will be implemented, with tuition set at $2,500, while a 40-hour refresher course will cost $700.
Tuition increases have been set for both the Adult Education and Cosmetology students as well.
Students will pay $5,000 in the adult education program and $8,500 in cosmetology.