I would like to start a Driver’s Ed class here at Chinquapin. Many other high schools offer Driver’s Ed. I think that, as a high school itself, Chinquapin should offer these classes to be well rounded. Many students between the ages of fourteen and eighteen can drive already, anyway. These students don’t have licenses because it has become such a hassle to get them. A mandatory twenty hours of Driver’s Ed is necessary to get a license, no matter the age. Most students don’t have the time to devote to the classes. They have online classes, but credit cards or PayPal is needed. They could take the classes on weekends, but most students focus on homework, help around the house, or they have jobs on the weekends. They simply don’t have the time or the money to take the classes. Parents also figure why should they take the class if they already know how to drive? If Chinquapin were to offer Driver’s Ed classes, several birds would be killed with one stone. Illegal drivers would become legal, driving-age students would acquire licenses, and colleges would look favorably on Driver’s Ed.
School cars would be a necessity. I believe I can get them be asking a small dealership to donate a good, used car to the school. It would be a tax write-off for them, and we would get a car. We could also buy one for incredibly cheap and fix it up. This would be a good time to offer a Mechanical Shop class. Insurance for the cars would also be needed. I am currently learning the best way to get grants for the school, and I believe I wouldn’t be the only one interested in getting this program off of the ground. The last thing to get would be the instructor. In order to be a driving instructor, you must have a valid license, read English, and have taken a course given by the DMV.
I also would like a mentor along the way. I am leaning towards Dr. Ray Griffin. He is really good at getting grants for the school, and he started a Driver’s Ed class before, so I would have found a master. My second choice would be someone who would be on board with me the whole way. A little encouragement never hurts. Jeremy Duncan seems to be a forward-thinking, kind individual.
