{"id":23198,"date":"2025-03-11T15:17:23","date_gmt":"2025-03-11T21:17:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dh.durangoherald.com\/tj\/newly-launched-cdl-program-in-mancos-school-district-receives-praise\/"},"modified":"2026-03-31T04:28:41","modified_gmt":"2026-03-31T04:28:41","slug":"newly-launched-cdl-program-in-mancos-school-district-receives-praise","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dh.durangoherald.com\/tj\/newly-launched-cdl-program-in-mancos-school-district-receives-praise\/","title":{"rendered":"Newly launched CDL program in Mancos school district receives praise"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Four
Four Mancos High School seniors obtained a commercial driver\u2019s licenses through the district\u2019s new program. (Todd Cordrey\/Courtesy photo)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p>\n

Keeping in step with their commitment to providing a plethora of project-based learning opportunities and career readiness classes for their district\u2019s students, the Mancos school district launched its first commercial driver\u2019s license course at the end of January.<\/p>\n

The program marks \u201ca significant step in career readiness\u201d for students. Four senior students have taken part in the program\u2019s first round, eagerly beginning \u201ctheir journey toward earning their CLD certification.\u201d<\/p>\n

The course is led by the district\u2019s transportation director Bart Small, who teaches the instructional part of the course, and Superintendent Toddy Cordrey, who obtained his CDL during last year\u2019s drone pilot program. Department of Transportation physicals will be administered by Dr. Opie Hainey, ensuring that students meet the health standards required to earn their CDL.<\/p>\n

The course\u2019s first four students, Chauncey Aspromonte, Drake Kobel, Waylon Hale and Cutter Bell successfully passed the written test and behind-the-wheel test to officially earn their CDL.<\/p>\n

In an email shared with The<\/em> Journal<\/em>, Bell\u2019s parents, Brandon and Ewa Bell, expressed their thoughts on the program.<\/p>\n

\u201cI recognize that this initiative required significant effort and funding, and I am truly appreciative of your dedication to making such resources available for our students,\u201d they said. \u201cAchieving a CDL is a substantial milestone for them, serving as a gateway to numerous career possibilities. They have had multiple opportunities throughout high school to learn and get exposure to other trades. I believe that this is extremely valuable to these kids and hope that programs like this continue.\u201d<\/p>\n

The district shared that the program was made possible through \u201cgenerous contributions\u201d from the community.<\/p>\n

According to the district, Small \u201cintroduced the newest addition\u201d to transportation \u201cfleet,\u201d a 2016 International truck, which was donated by Piggyback Towing and Transportation.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis vehicle allows students to gain valuable hands-on experience, better preparing them for their CDL tests,\u201d the district said.<\/p>\n

Tucker Transportation Inc., located in Cortez, also donated a trailer and $5,000 to the program.<\/p>\n

\u201cTo ensure the sustainability and growth of this initiative, a grant has been submitted to secure additional funding,\u201d the district shared. \u201cWe anticipate learning the outcome of this grant application in April. \u2026 This CDL course is a testament to the power of community collaboration and the district\u2019s commitment to providing students with meaningful career-readiness opportunities.\u201d<\/p>\n

The cost of the program is approximately $8,000 per student, and has been mostly covered because of to the support of the community through donations and partnerships.<\/p>\n

\u201cStudents are asked to make a very small financial contribution, which helps offset the cost of taking the permit test and the on-site physical,\u201d the district said. \u201cBy offering practical training and partnerships with local businesses, the program equips students with the skills and certifications needed to pursue rewarding careers in transportation and logistics.\u201d<\/p>\n

The program was created to help continue to equip Mancos students with \u201ccareer-ready skills\u201d and open doors \u201cto high-demand job opportunities.\u201d<\/p>\n

Students who successfully earn their CDL will be able to work in careers such as commercial trucking, construction, agriculture, transportation logistics and public service sectors, including school bus driving and municipal operations, the district shared, adding that \u201cthese careers offer competitive wages, job security and the potential for advancement.\u201d<\/p>\n

The district also thanked its \u201cgenerous\u201d donors and partners who have helped make the program possible.<\/p>\n

The second group of students who will begin working toward their CDL are slated to start in March.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are excited to see this program thrive and are celebrating the successes of our first cohort,\u201d the district finished. \u201cThank you to all who have contributed to making this vision a reality.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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