Wanted: High school job applicants who can prove their performance in school.
That’s because business managers could ask to see transcripts and attendance records and use them as a factor in deciding whether to hire a high school student.
Ånd as employers ask to see student records, high school students can see a real-world relevance of their performance in high school.
“It’s another incentive to do well,†said Paul Neumiller, member of the Greater Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce’s Partnership with Schools Committee, the group asking business operators to view transcripts before hiring a student.
The committee is involved with the campaign because it’s another way to support local schools. Neumiller said the committee also helps provide speakers for career days and a job shadowing program for students.
He said the campaign helps student learn the importance of of grades and attendance.
Although not the only factor in deciding whether to hire a student, such information could provide information on how responsible a student is. Neumiller said a student’s attendance record could indicate whether a student is capable of showing up for regularly scheduled shifts.
School officials seem grateful to see such a requirement.
“Too often high school student don’t see the direct value of their attendance and grades,†Oak Harbor School District Superintendent Rick Schulte said.
Between 50 and 75 percent of high school juniors and seniors have some type of paying job.
Schulte said with businesses asking for such records, students will get some added reinforcement on the importance of their education. That reinforcement can sometimes be more effective than encouragement from family and teachers.
Neumiller said the program won’t cost students much because they can get two free copies of their transcripts and attendance records each year.
He said the program hasn’t been launched yet. Neumiller said the program will be introduced during next month’s Chamber luncheon.
That way business leaders will know of the program before summer starts. And employers will know of it as teenagers look for their summer job.
