Workforce Board warns removing CTE from core could shrink access in small and rural schools

Nova Gatman, deputy executive director of the State Workforce Board, told the State Board that the Workforce Board met on Aug. 26 and voted unanimously to oppose the version of Future Ready that removes one CTE credit from the core graduation requirements. Gatman said making CTE optional would likely reduce student enrollment and therefore reduce funding that follows enrollment, which would hit expensive hands‑on programs — such as manufacturing and health care training — hardest in small and rural schools.