Meeting Recap

Rotary Visits Polaris Career Center

Last week, our Rotary club visited Polaris Career Center, where Superintendent Diane Xander welcomed members and shared how the school helps students turn their interests into skills, careers, and opportunities for continued education.

Now in her 13th year at Polaris, Diane brings a background in special education and school leadership to her role. Her enthusiasm for students and teachers was evident throughout the presentation, as was her commitment to making career technical education accessible to students with a wide range of interests and abilities.

Polaris serves six partner school districts: Berea, Brooklyn, Fairview Park, North Olmsted, Olmsted Falls, and Strongsville. Nearly 1,200 high school juniors and seniors attend its main campus, spending half their school day at Polaris and the other half at their home high school. Satellite programs extend its reach into middle and high schools throughout the six districts.

Diane highlighted the center’s recent $11 million expansion, which includes advanced manufacturing labs and equipment for robotics, engineering, and automation. These investments reflect a continuing effort to align instruction with the skills local employers need. As Diane explained, the school’s slogan—“Polaris Means Jobs”—guides its approach to programming and business partnerships.

Those partnerships give students opportunities to apply what they learn. By October each year, nearly 200 seniors are working in paid placements four days a week while earning career technical credit. Students can graduate with industry credentials, and some employers help pay for further education as graduates advance in their careers.

Diane also emphasized that career training and college can work together. Polaris programs offer opportunities for college credit, and many graduates continue into college or other postsecondary training. Students leave with practical skills that can help them enter the workforce while continuing their education.

Growing demand has prompted Polaris to introduce five new high school programs this year, including options designed specifically for seniors. A partnership with O’Neill Healthcare provides paid training and a pathway to a nursing assistant credential. Adult education is another major part of the school’s mission, reaching approximately 4,000 people annually through job training and other offerings.

Space remains a challenge, particularly for adult skilled trades programs. Diane described her vision for a dedicated center that would allow Polaris to expand training in areas such as HVAC, construction, electrical work, and plumbing. With waiting lists for existing programs and requests for additional training, she sees considerable opportunity to serve more adults and local employers.

One of the most memorable moments came when a parent described the difference Polaris had made for her daughter, a cosmetology student with a learning disability. Once challenged by school and lacking confidence, she was now thriving. Her story brought a personal perspective to Diane’s message about the impact of teachers, hands-on learning, and finding the right environment.

Doug Miller, Polaris’s director of marketing and community outreach, also discussed ways for community members and businesses to get involved. The Southwest Regional Business Advisory Council brings together approximately 130 members to help connect education with workforce needs. Industry partners advise programs on equipment, technology, and instruction, while supporting career exploration for younger students.

Members were also encouraged to return and enjoy the student-operated restaurant, bakery, and cosmetology services. These offerings give students experience serving the public and provide another way for the community to connect with Polaris.