JVS cosmetology students share career training with board

Cosmetology students and instructors at Jefferson County Joint Vocational School shared how the program is shaping students’ futures during the May 19 school board meeting.

Instructors Brianne Schoolcraft and Lillian Thrasher were joined by juniors Shaylee Rossi, Ava Nett and Avery Patterson to give an overview of the program and how students are training for potential careers.

Thrasher, who began as the junior instructor last year, asked students what they have learned and what their plans are after graduation.

Rossi said she was inspired by friends to join the program, and the chance to take post-secondary courses through College Credit Plus helped make the decision. Patterson also was interested in College Credit Plus but said she wanted to try something new.

Thrasher said students must complete 1,500 hours of training before taking the Ohio State Board of Cosmetology exam. Juniors spend their first year learning the foundations of cosmetology, including infection control, shampooing and hairstyling, haircutting, hair coloring and lightening, and chemical services. Students generally take clients during their senior year, though juniors also have gained some experience.

Rossi and Patterson said their communication skills have improved through the class, while Nett said she has learned about working with different people and understanding what clients want.

Schoolcraft said seniors spend their final year focusing on diseases and disorders, anatomy and chemistry, electricity and hair removal, skin care and makeup, nail care and braiding, principles of hair design and hair enhancement. Students also prepare for their state board exams.

“This is the year they take their skills to the next level,” Schoolcraft said. “We get them job ready and work hard to pass the state board exam.”

Thrasher said the salon lab, remodeled in 2023, has been a benefit to the program and gives students real-world experience.

“It is very state-of-the-art and one of the more modern cosmetology labs in the area,” she said. “The students experience real clients, work in a full salon, and build confidence. It builds communication skills, problem-solving skills, and time management. Having hands-on practice is crucial so they can feel confident enough to do it on their own.”

“I think taking clients this year has helped me a lot,” Rossi said. “I feel very well rounded.”

“I think it has definitely helped me know what a real career would look like,” Nett said.

“It was a really good opportunity,” Patterson said.

Thrasher said students have learned all aspects of salon operations, from running a cash register to scheduling clients. Schoolcraft said students also have served the community through the Tim Tebow Foundation Night to Shine and Trinity Health System’s Crimson Connections events.

Thrasher said educational outreach also is part of the program. Local salon professionals serve on the advisory board, visit classes for demonstrations and lectures, and host student visits to provide industry insight.

Students also have participated in SkillsUSA competitions through the Job Skills Demonstration A and cosmetology contests.

Officials said students must complete 1,500 training hours, have two years of program experience and pass the state board exam. They also may obtain boutique and cosmetology licenses to work in the field.

The students said they are considering college but also plan to work in cosmetology while completing their studies.

“My favorite part of being on the school board is hearing from the students,” board Vice President Ron Smyth said. “We have so many wonderful students.”

In other business, the board was introduced to new JVS Teachers’ Association officers: President Jamie Freeman, Vice President Dale Palmer, secretary Dylan Stickler and secretary Jill Winski.

Principal Heather Hoover said the recent senior recognition ceremony was successful, but leaders are reviewing event dates, sound system needs and parking for next year. She said caps and gowns were purchased this year and thanked Transition to Work instructor Jennifer Davis for alterations, aide Dawn Pugh and substitute Brie DeFelice for ironing gowns, and office staff for assisting graduates.

Treasurer Marcy Haynes said the JVS received the highest achievement award in open transparency from the state auditor’s office for fiscal years 2024-25.

Superintendent Ted Gorman said staff members will be honored May 27 for years of service, including technology coordinator Ron Peach, Transition to Work program aide Dawn Pugh, and instructors Dale Palmer and Tom Horne.

The board accepted resignations from welding instructor Todd Parker, who is retiring May 27 after more than 30 years of service, and science instructor Erin D’Aurora, who accepted a position in another district. Those positions were posted, along with an opening for an English instructor for the 2026-27 school year.

The board hired Josann Richards, Mandi Cook and Keith Kaczor as adult education instructors for the summer accelerated program beginning in June. Richards will oversee the certified nurse assistant class, Cook will teach phlebotomy and Kaczor will lead the new HVAC course.

The board approved equipment for the new HVAC program, including workstations, Luton torch kits and tools totaling more than $59,000.

The next regular meeting will be held at 5 p.m. June 30 in the board conference room.