Western Montgomery JOC says biomed program faces possible phase-out amid low enrollment

A Joint Operating Committee update presented to the Pottsgrove School Board reported that the Western Montgomery Career & Technology Center is considering phasing out its biomedical (biomed) program due to low and declining enrollment.

The board heard that Administrative Director Dave Livengood announced the biomed program currently enrolls five seniors in the class and that administrators are exploring options to reconfigure program lengths (for example changing some programs from three to four years) to increase seat availability across career-technical offerings. Jay, who delivered the JOC update to the Pottsgrove board, said the proposal to drop or phase out the biomed program will be voted on at a future meeting.

The JOC also reported facilities and operations items: construction of a two-door secured entrance is now operational to increase building security, and the committee approved the purchase and installation of a new air compressor for the HVAC system at a cost of $22,815 because the current unit was not operating properly.

Board members were informed these steps are part of broader planning to enhance program enrollment and operational reliability; the biomed program change was framed as a first step in a longer planning process in which alternative program options could expand opportunities for students across partner districts.

No formal vote to end the biomed program occurred at the Pottsgrove meeting; the JOC discussion noted the proposal is under consideration and will return for future action.