Tri Star Prepares for New School Year With New Staff, New Program and Near-Record Enrollment

CELINA — Tri Star Career Compact is preparing for another busy school year, with new staff members, a new Law and Public Service program and enrollment approaching 700 students across its programs.

Tri Star Director Tim Buschur discussed the upcoming school year during an appearance on WCSM’s Spectrum, saying activity is quickly picking up as the first day of classes approaches.

Several personnel changes are taking place this year.

One of the biggest additions this year is Tri Star’s new Law and Public Service program. Buschur said the program has approximately 25 juniors and 15 seniors enrolled for its first year. The instructor previously helped establish a similar program at Vantage Career Center.

Buschur said local service organizations have also provided significant support for the program. Equipment and supplies will help students explore careers ranging from law enforcement and fire and EMS services to the court system and potentially federal agencies. He said those careers are areas where local employers and agencies continue to need workers.

Tri Star will hold an open house for incoming juniors and their parents on August 24 at 6 p.m. The event gives families an opportunity to pay fees, meet instructors, locate classrooms, learn parking procedures and review guidelines ahead of the new school year.

The first day of classes is August 26. Buschur said the open house can help students become more comfortable with the transition from their home schools to the Tri Star facility.

Enrollment remains strong. Buschur said Tri Star expects nearly 700 students across its locations, with more than 500 attending programs in the main building, and he believes this could be the largest class Tri Star has served. Many programs are already full, although a few openings remained in areas including robotics and Medical Prep at the time of the interview.

The continued growth is also forcing Tri Star officials to think about future capacity. Buschur noted that some students were unable to get into one of their top program choices this year and said officials are beginning to consider what continued enrollment growth could mean in the coming years.

Career education is also expanding to younger students. Buschur said Ohio schools are now required to provide career-tech exposure in seventh and eighth grades. Tri Star’s partner districts are already offering those opportunities, allowing younger students to learn about careers they may not encounter in everyday life, including machining and construction. The state is also considering expanding those requirements into sixth grade, although Buschur said funding and staffing remain concerns for school districts.

Tri Star is also getting a new piece of visibility along the highway. Buschur said the Ohio Department of Transportation has approved a Tri Star Career Compact highway sign near State Route 29, located near signage for Wright State University-Lake Campus. He said the sign will help visitors better identify where Tri Star is located.

Tri Star Career Compact began in the fall of 1983 and is now entering its eighth year in its current facility.