At the recent Randolph Vending Advisory Board meeting for the Randolph High School Vending Repair Program, a new instructor was announced, Patrick Donahue. He will replace Jim Clark who has been the long time repair program instructor and who is planning to retire this school year.
Other business discussed at the meeting included the full-time and summer employment of the program’s students, the status of the program, a plan for industry involvement and the reelection of Bud Burke as chairman.
Student employment
At the meeting, it was reported that recent graduate, JonCarlos Rosario, class of 2012, has been employed by Midlantic Vending, headquartered in Moorestown, N.J., since his graduation, and is receiving great reviews for his work. He has qualified for a position and pay upgrade from a class “C” to a class “B” mechanic.
Canteen Vendlink employed Anthony Jones for the summer with his transportation expense being covered by school “student activity” funds. Tom Paine, from Canteen, stated that Jones did a great job and he is the 14th student that has been employed by Vendlink over the years.
Two other students were offered the opportunity to work with other area operators, but did not take advantage of the offer.
Jim Clark is requesting that any operator who has benefited from the Vending Repair Program over the years please make a commitment to employ at least one current student this coming summer. Employment has an amazing effect on students and will also demonstrate to the state the need and support from the industry. Only qualified students will be placed, but he hopes to give all the opportunity.
Darry Overton, Randolph High School Principal has once again agreed to allow shop “activity funds” be used to cover transportation.
Program status
The state Department of Education has removed Vending Machine Repair from its list of “High Needs Occupations.” The board believes this will result in a cut of state funds for the program. Burke, Overton and Dr. Kipphut, director of vocational education forPhiladelphia, have been working together to have the state reconsider its decision.
Bud Burke was reelected chairman of the Randolph Vending Advisory Committee. Clark expressed his thanks to Burke for his countless hours in support of this program and its students. He has helped to make a big difference in many young lives, concluded Clark.
