BUCYRUS, OH — Bucyrus City Schools brought together educators and industry leaders on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, for a dynamic professional development day designed to help teachers better connect classroom learning to workforce opportunities.
The morning began with an Employer Discussion Panel, moderated by Superintendent Bob Britton, where regional business leaders shared insights on hiring needs, industry trends, and how schools can prepare students for future careers.
Panelists included:
- Clint Knight, Director, Area 10 Workforce Development Board
- Ken Auck, Operations Manager, Forge Fire Company
- Gary Lauderbaugh, Manager of IT Operations & Infrastructure, Ohio Mutual Insurance
- Annie Carter, President, Carter Machine Company and Hydranamics, Inc.
- Adam Weiser, General Manager, Advanced Fiber Technology
Following the discussion, teachers rotated through a Manufacturing and Technology Expo featuring nearly 30 interactive stations. Local employers, higher education institutions, and workforce partners led hands-on demonstrations showcasing electronics, robotics, fiber optics, drones, blueprint reading, quality checks, coding, logistics, and other skills essential to today’s industries.
“We are deeply grateful to our partners who invested their time and expertise in our faculty and staff today,” said Amy Wood, Project Director. “Their commitment ensures that our educators are better equipped to guide students toward opportunities that align with local workforce needs.”
By engaging directly with employers and trying out real-world tools, teachers gained valuable knowledge to bring back to their classrooms, ensuring they can advise students more effectively on local workforce opportunities and needs.
“Today was about giving our teachers firsthand insight into the skills our students need to thrive,” said Superintendent Britton. “By connecting educators to industry, we’re preparing our students for success and ensuring Bucyrus is leading the way in career readiness.”
About Bucyrus City Schools
Guided by their vision of True North—helping students navigate toward career success—Bucyrus City Schools is redefining career readiness through a seamless PreK–12 system of career-connected learning. This districtwide approach inspires, equips, and empowers all learners to navigate their futures with confidence, purpose, and skill.
About The Author
