Board approves travel for seven SkillsUSA qualifiers and one student for Project MFG

The Coos Bay SD 9 board on Tuesday approved two out-of-state travel requests for students to national career-technical competitions.

The board approved a request for seven students to attend SkillsUSA nationals in Atlanta, scheduled for early June. Staff listed qualifiers across multiple trade categories — welding, CNC programming, additive manufacturing, baking and pastries — and described industry networking at the national event. A motion to approve the travel was moved, seconded and adopted by roll call.

Separately the board approved a travel request for one student, Glenn Crook Jr., to compete at Project MFG in San Diego in early May. Crook described the event as a national-level welding and manufacturing competition with two rounds and noted he placed in the top 24 nationally this year. He also said prize awards can include a $10,000 check for winners. "I was actually able to place in the top 24," he told trustees during the request presentation. The motion to approve his travel was moved, seconded and the board recorded the vote as passed.

Board members offered brief praise and personal remarks about vocational career opportunities for students in trades. No additional conditions or funding restrictions were recorded in the minutes for these approvals.

Next steps for the students are travel logistics and final roster confirmation with staff and families.