Wesson locals advise school on CTE

Special to Wesson News

Wesson’s Ricky and Jessica Breazeale (far left) join school advisory committee.

The Brandon High School Business & Industry Advisory Committee has added representatives from a Wesson company to join its team of counselors.

Grace Foam Solutions (GFS), a Wesson-based spray foam distribution and installation company, sent Ricky and Jessica Breazeale, two of its four owners, to the spring meeting of the committee on the invitation of the school’s  Family and Consumer Science Department.  

Brandon High School has different areas of career and technical education (CTE) and seeks a diversity of professionals for an advisory group that guides its programs and students.

“I was encouraged that there is a level of secondary school students interested in entering the trade field,” Ricky Breazeale said.  “In the last seven years, we’ve seen a sharp decline in skilled and qualified trade workers.  So I’m encouraged that Brandon High School is taking proactive measures to solve a problem.”

Brent and Dr. Stephanie Duguid, the two other GFS owners, are currently working with Spray Foam Polyurethane Alliance (SPFA) to develop an approved curriculum based off the current professional standards to increase the opportunities for individuals interested in entering the spray foam industry.  

The curriculum initiative is in the first stage of development, with a goal of utilizing the workforce programs at educational institutions across the nation in collaboration with approved spray foam companies in an apprenticeship program. The goal is for GFS to qualify interested parties to become licensed spray foam contractors.

Brent Duguid was the former Dean of Career, Technical, and Workforce Education at Co-Lin, and Dr. Duguid served the college as Dean of Academic Instruction and Chief Academic Officer.

Brandon High School’s Business & Industry Advisory Committee meets twice a year.  The committee helps the school maintain the highest industry standards for the CTE and Family and Consumer Science classes taught there.

 "I’m honored we were asked to be part of this group,” said Breazeale.  “It shows so much promise.”