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Regular City Council Meeting Monday, April 17, 2017 Page 10 Mayor Roe commended Mr. Olson in pursuing the great idea and encouraging the interest in exposing students toward various career paths. Mr. Olson expressed his appreciation to City of Roseville's Housing and Econom- ic Development Manager Jeanne Kelsey and other city staff who had supported this program initiative. Councilmember Willmus spoke in support of the need for trade and skilled labor, something that had been missing for too long; and opined that it needed to not on- ly be included in middle and high school curriculums but possibly late elementary as well. Board Member Boguszewski noted the school board's excitement in seeing the interest of trade unions, not just employers, when Mr. Olson approached the busi- ness community, and their comments that they had been waiting to be asked for their participation. Related to manufacturing, Board Member Boguszewski noted that with today's equipment, students needed computer programming skills, and once students became aware of that, they became more interested in that field. Councilmember McGehee agreed, using the example of computerized metal work; and expressed her appreciation in the interest being shown by trade and construction companies. Councilmember McGehee noted the skill set of retiring baby boomers having the time and interest in sharing their skills, not only in the schools, but also in their neighborhood, often becoming independent business people in their retirement years. Mr. Olson agreed those retirees provided a great opportunity for the school dis- trict to partner with teachers, and become part of the pipeline in mentoring stu- dents along with employers. Mr. Olson advised that many businesses were also paying for their employees to work with students during the school day and part- ner with teachers and share their skills and areas of expertise. Mr. Olson noted that the wonderful and innovative ways to partner continued to evolve. Mayor Roe noted that the city had over 5,000 businesses; with Mr. Olson encour- aging more participation to allow career counselors at the school to increase stu- dent participation as the opportunities came forward. As a board member, Board Member Anderson recognized the networking of Mr. Olson and the career pathways program and the partnership and communication between teachers, businesses and students, using practical applications as em- ployers share what they need (e.g. keyboarding skills). Mr. Olson noted that business partners were willing to invest in the program even by providing equipment to build the programs. Mr. Olson noted the unique op-