Port Townsend: Vocational mill training high on school priority list

PORT TOWNSEND — School District leaders are working with Port Townsend Paper Corp. to start a manufacturing technology class at Port Townsend High School that could help train future paper mill employees.

This prospect is but one of many options Tom Opstad, Port Townsend School District superintendent, is examining in an effort to keep more students in the work force at home.

“We have lots of areas in the (kindergarten to 12th grade) arena that we want to address and think of,” Opstad told about 50 people attending Monday’s Port Townsend Chamber of Commerce luncheon at Fort Worden State Park. The meeting was part of the chamber’s monthlong focus on education.

“The question is how do we prepare students?” Opstad asked.

Such vocational training would be coming at a good time with Port Townsend Paper mill representatives reporting more than 37 percent of their 321-employee work force will be eligible for retirement in five years.

“We have jobs,” Jennifer Johnson, mill human resources manager, said last week.

More in News

Brinnon man in custody after search

A Brinnon man who was wanted after allegedly breaking into… Continue reading

The U.S. Coast Guard cutter Anacapa is being decommissioned after 34 years of service, the last of which had the ship homeported in Port Angeles. A ceremony Friday bid farewell to the vessel, which will make its final journey to the Coast Guard Yard in Baltimore, Maryland in the coming weeks. (Peter Segall / Peninsula Daily News)
Port Angeles-based cutter Anacapa decommissioned

110-foot vessel is one of few remaining Island-class cutters

PASD board approves pact with paraeducators

Two-year agreement hikes salary steps, wages

Acting city clerk Heather Robley, right, swears in new city council member Nicole Hartman on Monday after she was appointed to fill former mayor Tom Ferrell’s seat. Hartman will serve through certification of the 2025 general election. (Matthew Nash/Olympic Peninsula News Group)
Hartman named to Sequim council

PUD staffer to serve in former mayor’s seat

Poulsbo man dies in wreck south of Hood Canal Bridge

A Poulsbo man died in a vehicle collision in… Continue reading

EYE ON THE PENINSULA: Clallam County to discuss Elwha River watershed

Meetings across Clallam and Jefferson counties

Department of Ecology declares statewide drought emergency

Clallam County PUD #1 is requesting that water utility… Continue reading

Clallam County Fire District Captain Marty Martinez sprays water on a hot spot of a fire that destroyed a house and adjoining RV in the 700 block of East Kemp Street near Port Angeles on Friday morning. (Keith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News)
One found dead in fire east of Port Angeles

House, garage destroyed in Kemp Street blaze

Government officials applaud the ribbon cutting at the Point Hudson breakwater in Port Townsend on Wednesday afternoon. (Diane Urbani de la Paz/For Peninsula Daily News)
Point Hudson breakwater opens centennial celebration

$12 million port project finishes on time, under budget

NOHN helps to meet healthcare needs, CEO says

Network established in 2015 with federally qualified center

People, tools needed for build

Dream Playground on track for May 15-19

Skilled workers sought for Dream Playground shifts

The Dream Playground is seeking skilled workers for the following shifts: •… Continue reading