Photo courtesy of Adams Township Schools Jeffers High School’s Culinary Arts program kitchen is a key component of the school’s vocational training program.

PAINESDALE – In spite of a rumor circulating that Jeffers High School’s hands-on Culinary Arts program is being done away with, Adams Township Schools Superintendent Tim Keteri says the program is not going anywhere.

“We would never get rid of it,” Keteri said. “That is a rumor.”

Keteri said Julie Laban, the culinary arts instructor, is retiring at the end of the year. Her position will be filled internally, but the program will continue.

“As long as I’m here, it’s staying,” Keteri said. “If I leave, all bets are off, but that – that’s staying.”

Keteri said the school district has a skills-based program, which includes automotive technology, building trades, nurse’s aid training, welding, and the culinary arts program. The culinary program, he said, is a key component.

The vocational training program is not affiliated with the Copper Country Intermediate School District’s CTE program.

“It’s just skills,” said Keteri. “Give our kids skills. I don’t care if you get a certificate, I just want you learn something.”

The facility is located in a former library adjacent to the Painesdale Post Office. It was funded with nearly $150,000 in donations through the Adams Township Foundation. Classes started in January, 2018.