The first day of classes Monday at Butler County Area Vocational-Technical School was declared a success Thursday at the school's joint operating committee meeting.

“It was wonderful. The students were excited to be here and upbeat,” said Regina Hiler, executive director. “The first day was great.”

With 941 students, slightly more than last year, enrolled from the seven school districts in the county, COVID-19 did not affect student enrollment, Hiler said.

She commended teachers and Jared Ryan, the newly hired principal and assistant director, for their roles in getting the school year started.

In her report to the committee, Hiler said the school received a $90,000 School Safety and Security Grant. The grant was spent on cleaning supplies, electronics for the online learning program, face masks and plastic shields.

The committee approved the use of a state Continuity of Education for Career and Technical Center grant from the Emergency Education Relief Fund of $91,853 to hire three people for support positions.

The grant was used to hire Blake Beatrice as an online learning coach, Karen Michael for health and student support and Lucas Rearick for COVID-19 custodian and maintenance work.

An articulation agreement with Pittsburgh Technical College was also approved. The agreement allows BCAVTS students in certain programs to attended classes at PTC. The programs are computer networking and security, culinary arts, graphic design, health assistant, HVAC, protective services and welding.