Southern Illinois lawmakers tour Vienna, five county career programs
FOX23 News at 9 p.m
VIENNA, Ill., (KBSI) — State lawmakers and regional education leaders toured career and technical education programs in Southern Illinois this week as part of a legislative visit focused on workforce development and school funding.
The tour included stops at programs affiliated with Vienna High School and the Five County Regional Vocational System. Participants included state Reps. Patrick Windhorst, Paul Jacobs and William Davis, who chairs the Illinois House Appropriations–Elementary and Secondary Education Committee. Illinois State Sen. Dale Fowler was invited but was unable to attend.
Also attending were officials from the Illinois State Board of Education, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, SI Now and regional school leadership.
Dr. Joshua Stafford, superintendent of Vienna High School, said the visit was intended to highlight both the progress made through Illinois’ evidence-based funding model and ongoing needs in Southern Illinois schools.
During the tour, lawmakers heard directly from students involved in various career pathways. Vienna sophomore Olivia Quertermous guided the delegation through several school programs, including Johnson County CEO, certified nursing assistant training, podcasting and cybersecurity, education pathways, the Southern Illinois Future Teachers Coalition and industrial arts.
Ethan Hook, a Vienna senior and student council president, led a schoolwide assembly that gave students an opportunity to engage with the visiting legislators. A legislative luncheon followed, featuring discussion and a question-and-answer session with area superintendents and community leaders.
The delegation also visited the High School Laborer’s Construction Craft Preparation Program in Marion and Five County Regional Vocational programs.
SI Now Executive Director Dr. Deb Barnett and Five County Regional Vocational Director Jeremy Holley addressed attendees, emphasizing the role of career and technical education in preparing students for high-demand, high-wage careers.
Organizers said the tour underscored the region’s commitment to workforce development, industry partnerships and expanding opportunities for students through hands-on training and certification programs.
