Bucyrus City Schools Superintendent Bob Britton had a simple request for Crawford County employers at the Wednesday, October 14 Chamber of Commerce Manufacturing Breakfast: bring us a real problem, and our students will help you solve it.
Speaking to local business leaders at the event hosted by the Crawford Partnership and the Crawford County Chamber of Commerce, Britton shared how the district’s True North Vision, Navigating Students to Career Success, is changing what learning looks like in Bucyrus classrooms.
“Bucyrus City Schools is thinking about education differently,” Britton said. “The reality is, we cannot do this alone.”
Britton pointed to last year’s Advanced Manufacturing class as an example of what’s possible when schools and employers work together. Forge Fire & Company, a Crawford County manufacturer, came to the district with a real need. Working in partnership with the company, fifteen Advanced Manufacturing students delivered a final product to solve their problem. Through the process, students learned about research, design, prototyping, testing, revising, presentation, and creating a quality deliverable.
“Our students weren’t handed a worksheet or a hypothetical situation,” Britton said. “They were handed a real customer looking for a real solution.”
The district calls this approach a Problem of Practice. A local employer brings a real challenge, and students work through it the way a professional shop would.
Students walk away knowing how to work as a team, meet deadlines, take feedback from industry professionals, and confidently pitch an idea. Employers walk away with a finished product, fresh thinking, and an early look at young people who could join their workforce someday.
Interest in Advanced Manufacturing is climbing. This year, 30 students are enrolled in the program, double last year’s class. Instructor Brett Love and seniors Lillian Englehorn and Will Kuhn joined Britton at the breakfast.
Now, the district wants more employers involved, and Britton stressed that partnering doesn’t require a big investment.
“It doesn’t take a big budget,” he said. “Bring us a real problem, and we’ll plan the rest.”
The district coordinates the details, including visits to the partner’s business and the school, a few check-ins with students, and the final student pitch.
Businesses interested in participating in the Problem of Practice can contact Amy Wood, Director of Leadership & District Partnerships, at awood@bucyrusschools.org.
About Bucyrus City Schools
Guided by their vision of True North, navigating students to career success, Bucyrus City Schools is redefining career readiness through a seamless PreK-12 system of career-connected learning. This districtwide approach inspires, equips, and empowers all learners to navigate their futures with confidence, purpose, and skill.
Media Contact:
Amy Wood
Director of Leadership and District Partnerships
Bucyrus City Schools