By A.J. Harris

Starting next year in School District 429, there will be a STEAM teacher in every building.

The Pontiac District 429 Board of Education approved job postings for STEAM teachers at Central, Lincoln, and Washington schools at their meeting last week, the Pontiac Daily Leader reports. STEAM is the acronym for curriculum that focuses on Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics.

The program started in District 429 2 years ago, and Superintendent Brian Dukes says that it’s developed into something unique not only in the county but across the state as well.

Dukes credited Adam Dontz and the GLCEDC with helping District 429 with the finances to initially get the program going. Revenue has also come from local businesses and community groups, as well as concerned individuals.

To cover the cost of the three new teaching positions, Dukes plans on consolidating two positions as well as using the distict’s new state dollars.

Brian Dukes will be Todd Wineburner’s guest on Thursday morning during the 7:45 Community Forum.