Monroe County Schools recognized Monroe County Hospital and CEO Casey Fleckenstein as a 2026 Friend of Education in an announcement published June 11.
The district described a partnership supporting the Monroe County College & Career Academy through work-based learning, career exploration, equipment donations and development of a phlebotomy pathway. Hospital staff have also helped students prepare through experiences such as job shadowing and mock interviews.
These connections give students a closer look at healthcare work while linking classroom learning with the expectations of a local employer. They also illustrate how a community institution can contribute to career preparation alongside its day-to-day services.
The recognition highlights the people and partnerships behind local workforce development. Students and families interested in the opportunities available to them can ask the academy about its current healthcare programs and employer experiences.
Source: Monroe County Schools: 2026 Friend of Education recognition