The popularity of classes involving visual arts and hands-on creation at Warrenton High School has prompted the district to expand its course offerings and staff.During the Warren County R-III School Board meeting Feb. 9, the need for a full-time drafting and engineering teacher was expressed to meet the demands of the students.The position had previously been considered part-time and consisted of three classes taught by former full-time instructor Bill Brown.Assistant Superintendent Aaron Jones says the combination of three teaches had worked closely with the administration to assess the current needs and grow the program.“The high school drafting course has been taught for three hours over the past four or five years,” said Jones. “We’ve seen an increase in the number of kids who want to move into those areas.”The trending interest shown by students in college level and advanced courses also has driven this need, with the course load growing. Jones said there are now four levels of engineering offered to the study body.“With the addition of Project Lead the Way and the increased student interest in the field, we are in need of making this a full-time position,” said Jones.The board approved that proposal 6-0 during the open session, and the district immediately moved forward in transitioning the position to full time.“We’ve been interviewing, and we should have a candidate to present to the board for approval during its special meeting this week,” noted Jones.Teachers may still have to work together some, he said, but this should allow the school to be more equipped to serve the students and really expand how it can teach.Warren County R-III School District