Schulman questions on course enrollment and language access

The horse-drawn carriage operators course is offered four times a year.

In 2025, how many people enrolled in the course?

I do want to note that we have not been able to meet that four-time-a-year offering of late.

We have equine veterinarians on contract.

We have not been able to hire as a staff person to fulfill that role, so we are a little constrained in being able to offer it four times a year.

In 2025, 18 people took the course.

So how many times a year do you do it?

Since you don't have the...

It has varied, so let me get you the last couple of years, but it has varied because of the staffing constraints.

Is that being addressed?

I mean, I know we have this bill, but is that being addressed?

We have been actively recruiting for an equine veterinarian.

Okay.

And just to reiterate, we do have equine veterinarians.

They're just on a contract, and so that can hamper the number of times we can offer the course.

Okay.

Drivers speak multiple languages, including Spanish, Turkish, and Tajik.

In what languages is the course offered, and are there gaps in language access?

There are gaps in language access.

It is an English language course.

Is there a fee to register for the course?

What about for any course materials or examinations?

It is a $25 course.

And that includes course materials and everything else, or?

I think that's the total course cost, but if there's something additional, I'll correct that, but I believe it's a total of $25.

Please describe the practical examination component of the course.

What does this exam consist of and who conducts it?

The practical exam is conducted by an equine veterinarian with a horse, and the driver needs to demonstrate, for example, the proper fitting of the bridle and the harness,

proper hitching and unhitching, managing and control of the horse.