Gorman reflects on first year leading Jefferson County JVS

As Ted Gorman completes his first year as superintendent of the Jefferson County Joint Vocational School, he describes the experience as both rewarding and energizing.

“It has been a great first year,” Gorman said. “I have really enjoyed getting to know our students, staff, families, business partners and community members. Jefferson County JVS is a special place, and I am proud to be part of it.”

Gorman came to the JVS after spending 32 years in the Steubenville City School District, including 11 years as principal of Steubenville High School. While the move from high school principal to superintendent has brought new responsibilities, he said many of the core values remain the same.

“At the end of the day, it is still about people,” Gorman said. “It is about building relationships, supporting students, supporting staff and creating a school environment where people want to be. Those things were important to me as a principal, and they are just as important to me now as superintendent.”

He said one of the biggest adjustments has been the broader scope of the superintendent role. As a principal, much of the daily work centered on one building and the immediate needs of students and staff. As superintendent, the responsibilities include long-term planning, board relations, facilities, finances, adult education, community partnerships, staffing and program development.

“As a principal, you are very connected to the day-to-day operation of the school,” Gorman said. “As superintendent, you still have that responsibility, but you also have to look further ahead. You have to think about where the district is going, what programs we need to offer, how we support our staff and how we prepare students for the workforce.”

Among the highlights of the year, Gorman pointed to the continued success of JVS students, the graduation ceremony, the growth of new programs and the strong support from staff and community partners. He said he has been especially proud of the students and their accomplishments in career-technical programs, student organizations, internships, competitions and graduation.

“We have outstanding students at the JVS,” Gorman said. “They are learning real skills, earning credentials, and preparing themselves for careers, college, the military, apprenticeships, and the workforce. Watching them succeed has been one of the best parts of the year.”

The school is also preparing for growth in the 2026-27 school year. Gorman said the JVS is expecting between 250 and 260 new students next year, with more incoming juniors than the previous year. The district also recently graduated 178 students who will move on to post-secondary education, the military or the workforce.

“That tells us there is strong interest in career-technical education,” he said. “Students and families are seeing the value of what we offer. Our goal is to give students opportunities they may not be able to get anywhere else in the county.”

One of the major projects heading into the summer is preparing the building for the new HVAC program, which is scheduled to begin during the 2026-27 school year. To make room for the program, the district plans to move the heavy equipment operation program into a new building space. Once that move is complete, the current area will be prepared for HVAC instruction, including space for equipment, hands-on training and classroom needs.

“We are excited about the HVAC program,” Gorman said. “There is a real need in our region for trained workers in HVAC and related trades. This program gives our students another strong career pathway and helps meet a local workforce need.”

In addition to HVAC, the JVS is adding a fire and EMS program through a partnership with the Wintersville Fire Department. Gorman said the program will be a great addition to the school’s career-technical offerings and will provide an important service to the community.

“This is going to be a very valuable program for our students and for our region,” he said. “There is a need for trained firefighters and EMS personnel, and this partnership gives our students a chance to explore those careers while also helping meet a community need.”

Several other projects are also getting underway across the campus. The district is creating a new licensed practical nurse lab, updating the computer network technology classroom and preparing for work on a new heavy equipment operation building. Gorman said the district is hopeful that ground can be broken on the new heavy equipment building after the necessary preparation work is completed for the HVAC program.

“The new heavy equipment building is going to be a wonderful addition to our campus,” Gorman said. “It will give us more space, improve how we use our building and allow us to continue growing programs that are important to our students and our local workforce.”

Other building projects are expected to take place during the summer. The district will continue preparing classrooms and office spaces for the coming school year, complete painting and cleaning projects and make facility updates that support students and staff. Gorman said the focus is on making the building clean, welcoming, safe and ready for learning.

Looking ahead, his goals are to continue growing programs, strengthening partnerships with local businesses and industries, expanding opportunities for students and creating a positive school culture.

“I want Jefferson County JVS to be a place where students want to come every day,” Gorman said. “I want our teachers and staff to feel valued and supported. If we take care of our people and continue to build strong programs, our students will benefit.”

He said he is grateful for the support he has received during his first year and is optimistic about the future of the district.

“I am thankful for our board of education, our staff, our students, our families and our community partners,” Gorman said. “We have a lot of good things happening at the JVS, and I believe the best is still ahead.”