After metals program was cut because of COVID-19 budget reductions, teacher continues to work with students at home
For several evenings each week, David Richards hosts groups of students at his home shop in Eagle Creek.
Richards previously taught metals at Estacada High School, but the program was cut last spring because of COVID-19 related budget cuts. Many students and families rallied to keep the metals program, and an online petition in support of it gathered 1,164 signatures.
“I thought, if there’s this much interest in it, I’ve got to make something work,” Richards said. “I believe in this, so I kept doing it. These kids are really thriving.”
The program has 10 participants — double the number that it did when it started in September. Some are Richards’ previous students from Estacada High School, but others are in their 20s and want to update their skills. 
