After a 23-year absence, Driver Education has returned to Johnstown High School, fulfilling a long-requested opportunity for local students and families.
“Bringing driver education back to Johnstown required a tremendous team effort,” said Superintendent Alicia D. Koster. “We’re excited to invest in a program that prioritizes student safety, supports high-quality instruction and provides students with valuable real-world experience. Making the course available during the school day was especially important because it removes barriers for students and ensures more young drivers can benefit from the program.”
A major milestone in revitalizing the program came with the purchase of a training vehicle for student driving lessons. The vehicle was secured through a competitive bidding process and can be serviced locally, helping ensure reliable instruction for years to come.
The District once offered a popular summer driver education program led by longtime instructor Carm D’Amore. Following his retirement from guidance, he and instructors Jack Dunlap and Wayne Scheer kept the program going for several years before it was discontinued around 2003.
Its revival is the result of strategic planning with a focused attention to academic programming and providing diverse learning opportunities for students.
The foundation for the program’s return was laid eight years ago when health teacher Kristy Lynch earned her driver education instructor certification. While the District was not yet in a position to offer the course, Mrs. Lynch remained committed to bringing it back.
“I’ve wanted to bring driver education to Johnstown for years because I know how valuable it is for students and families,” Mrs. Lynch said. “Last year, I approached Principal Snow about it again and he said, ‘Let’s make it happen.’ He was an integral part of getting the program up and running, and Superintendent Koster’s support and vision for expanding student programs helped move the idea forward. With the backing of District leadership, a goal I had carried for years finally became a reality for our students.”
The program is highly accessible to the student body. To enroll, students must meet two simple requirements:
- Hold a valid driving permit
- Maintain good school attendance
Developing safe, responsible drivers
While behind-the-wheel training is a major component, students spend significant time in the classroom learning about traffic laws, vehicle safety, roadway systems and the dangers of distracted, drowsy and impaired driving. The curriculum also focuses on decision-making and the real-world consequences that can result from a single poor choice.
“These situations don’t just happen to reckless people,” Mrs. Lynch said. “They’re often the result of someone making a poor decision during a stage of life when they feel invincible. We want students to understand how quickly one choice can change lives and give them the knowledge and confidence to make safer decisions.”
To reinforce those lessons, Mrs. Lynch has invited guest speakers to share firsthand experiences with students.