The Forney Independent School District (ISD) Board of Trustees convened on February 3, 2025, to discuss a range of initiatives and updates related to Career and Technical Education (CTE) as part of CTE Month. The meeting highlighted significant achievements and ongoing programs aimed at enhancing student engagement and career readiness.

The session began with a report on the district's recent college fair, which featured over 70 colleges, trade schools, and military branches, marking the largest event of its kind to date. The fair's success was attributed to the appealing food choices and location, which encouraged participation from various recruiters.

The board also reviewed the implementation of "opportunity talks," where professionals from diverse fields engage with students. Topics covered this year included mental health awareness, financial planning, and entrepreneurship, with a notable guest being a New York fashion designer who shared his journey from starting without a college degree to running a successful business.

In terms of student involvement, five Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs) are set to compete at the state level, an increase from three last year. The district has hosted over 45 school districts for CTE program tours, showcasing its commitment to expanding CTE opportunities.

The meeting also addressed the district's dual credit program, which has grown to over 1,200 students enrolled in at least one dual credit class, resulting in significant savings for families—totaling $818,179 this year. The board noted that 36 students are expected to graduate with their associate degrees, an increase from 30 last year.

Additionally, the district is expanding its course offerings, now providing 93 dual credit classes, up from 78 the previous year. This growth is facilitated by partnerships with Dallas College, which allows community members to enroll in classes at reduced rates.

The board discussed the introduction of experiential learning opportunities, emphasizing that all programs of study culminate in practical experiences for students. Notably, students were involved in managing security and ticketing for events, replacing outside contractors and enhancing their real-world skills.

The meeting concluded with updates on community engagement, including the success of student-run businesses and the expansion of youth sports programs, which have seen increased participation. The board expressed enthusiasm for the ongoing initiatives and the positive impact they are having on student readiness for future careers.