PINE KNOT, Ky --- Kentucky's longest serving U.S. Congressman Hal Rogers is pushing back against the Trump administration, following last week's announcement of the closure of a long-time job corps center in the Congressman's fifth district, which includes McCreary County.
The United States Forestry Service notified workers at Pine Knot Job Corps Training Center that after more than 20 years in operation, the center would be cutting over 60 full-time positions later this year.
Spectrum News 1 spoke to several McCreary County Public School administrators who say closing this center will directly impact their school district and the local economy in a negative way.
“I’m very disappointed to hear that there is discussion to close that resource because it’s all about improving young lives and in turn, it makes it better place...We’re always interested in improving lives and giving opportunities, I just think it’s a shame that we have to review opportunities that students otherwise wouldn’t have regardless of where they’re from or what their aspirations are,” says Sharon Privett, Principal at McCreary County High School.
“We’ve collaborated with them over the years with various projects that maybe we have going on, that we don’t have the resources because they do teach trades, we were able to bring crews out to help with paintings, landscaping, various other items, that we might not be able to do…It’s very strange, in Kentucky, where our education, we’re very much working towards that career and tech side, it’s not just every student’s going to college. We want career and college ready and this is going to take that career option away,” adds Aaron Anderson, Assistant Superintendent McCreary County Public School
Statement from U.S. Representative Hal Rogers:
“Without any prior warning to Congress, we received a unexpected notification last week to the detriment of Job Corps Civilian Conservation Centers, including our center in Pine Knot, Kentucky. I have had the pleasure of attending countless Job Corps events and graduations over the years to witness the confidence and guidance that these programs give our young people who need it most. For those reasons, I am sending a letter with several of my colleagues to USDA Secretary Perdue and DOL Secretary Acosta expressing our opposition and asking them to keep these important programs open.”
Statement from USDA/DEPARTMENT OF LABOR:
“As part of the normal 30-day comment period for DOL’s Federal Register Notice, we have heard from Members of Congress, retirees, and other stakeholders about concerns with closing USFS Job Corps centers. We’ve asked the USFS to evaluate those concerns while reviewing its role in Job Corps management and operation. DOL and USDA are committed to maximizing opportunity and results for students, minimizing disruptions, and improving overall performance and integrity. DOL and USDA will conduct a robust organizational review to determine the appropriate course of action keeping in mind the USFS mission, the students we serve, and the American taxpayers. As USDA looks to the future, it is imperative the USFS focuses on and prioritizes its core natural resource mission to improve the condition and resilience of our Nation's forests."