The latest local news, weather and high school sports from the Heartland

OTTUMWA, IOWA -- Family and Consumer Science teachers want to stitch up their program that seems to be falling apart across Iowa.

More than seven hundred students are enrolled in Family and Consumer Science (FCS) classes at Ottumwa High School, which used to be known as consumer economics.

Despite the enrollment, teachers are concerned about the future of their program.

Educators tell KTVO that numbers of FCS college graduates are dwindling.

“The lack of people going into Family and Consumer Sciences education is a deep concern. If you look at the average age of FCS teachers in Iowa, we are all getting old. As more of my colleagues retire, it's a scary thought to think there's really no one out there to replace us," said FCS Teacher Colette Fisher.

According to OHS teachers, there's only one state school that offers course work in the subject matter.

The Ottumwa FCS teachers recently took their concerns to lawmakers at the state capitol.

They have big hopes for change.

"I would like to see, actually, a required class in FCS education in every high school in Iowa before graduation. I think that would encompass a whole lot of the skills the students need," said FCS Teacher Debb Kent.

Otherwise, Kent said she's afraid programs at high schools across Iowa will soon begin dying out.

In this economy, the teachers tell KTVO it would be a bad thing for the program to come to an end.

“Really deep down, when you look at the situation of the economy, the situation of the family, eating, etc. This is the area students need more experience in,” said FCS Department Chair Melba Cox.

Students at OHS learn life skills such as parenting, sewing and housing in the FCS program.