Kobelt to step away from FMHS trades program

This is not a bad-break up. I've been in talks with administration and have offered some assistance as far as mentoring and shared some names and from where I think the guy needs to come in.”

- Clint Kobelt, resigning FMHS Trades instructor

FORT MADISON - It's unexpected when people leave at the top of their game.
But Fort Madison is losing someone who just led a group of students to a second place national finish in the school's trades program.
Clint Kobelt's resignation as the Fort Madison's Construction and Trades program leader will be considered at Monday's regular meeting of the Fort Madison Community School District.
Kobelt, who's mantra has been making Fort Madison trade students industry ready out of high school, has ushered in multiple state championships throughout the program.
This year, four of his students won runner-up at the SkillsUSA national championship in Atlanta, Ga. They were honored over the weekend at the Elliott Test Kitchen.
Kobelt said the program has hit its zenith under his leadership and it's time for someone else to take over.
"I think I've done all the good I can do with it. It's time for a set of fresh eyes. Let someone take what's there and put a fresh spin on it," he said.
"This is not a bad-break up. I've been in talks with administration and have offered some asisstance as far as mentoring and shared some names and from where I think the guy needs to come in."
Kobelt said he hopes his replacement is someone from the industry that knows the trades outside of the education environment.
"If you look at the auto and welding departments, and my department, it comes from guys that know how things work outside of education," he said.
"Curriculum still needs to be creating industry-ready guys coming out of there. It's my hope the people in talks can come to terms."
He said future plans will involve him going back into the industry and being a part of training programs.
"That piece is still needed everywhere. You need good folks."
Superintendent Dr. Erin Slater thanked Kobelt for his efforts building the trades program.
"We wish Clint the very best of luck in his next endeavors. We look forward to continuing the excellent opportunities and high level programming that Clint has led for the students at FMHS," she said.
In other action, the district will consider approval of an agreement with Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center Inc. for athletic training services at a cost of $1,000 per year to the district. SIRMC reserves the right to bill insurance as needed for services provided.
The school district would not be responsible for any other services provided by SIRMC.
The board will also be considering a recommendation from new Activities Director Jeff Lamb to allow all FMHS students free access to all Fort Madison activities to create a more equitable environment for students to support peers at events. The move is to be reviewed annually to see the impact on the budget.