The Venus Independent School District (VISD) School Board meeting on May 19, 2025, highlighted significant advancements in the Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs across the district. The meeting featured an update on the CTE P-TECH program, showcasing the growing enrollment and success of students in various vocational courses.
During the presentation, it was noted that out of 701 students at Venus High School (VHS), 619 are enrolled in at least one CTE weighted course, with 345 students taking two or more. At Venus Middle School (VMS), 85 out of 438 students are participating in CTE courses. The district offers seven of the 14 state-recognized career clusters, including programs in agricultural technology, cybersecurity, and graphic design, with five programs incorporating the P-TECH model.
The meeting also included a review of recent labor market data, indicating that the largest sectors in the VISD labor market are healthcare, retail trade, and accommodation services. Notably, healthcare and social assistance are projected to be the fastest-growing sectors in the next decade, with an expected addition of over 338,000 jobs in the region.
The district's CTE programs have received positive feedback from the Career and Technical Advisory Team (CTAT), which conducted a program review. Recommendations included expanding middle school career exploration offerings and establishing an industry advisory board to enhance community engagement and program relevance.
The board discussed the potential for introducing healthcare-related programs in the future, acknowledging the need for additional resources and space to support such initiatives. The conversation underscored the district's commitment to preparing students for college, careers, and military service through robust educational experiences.
In conclusion, the meeting emphasized the ongoing growth and success of VISD's CTE programs, with plans for future expansion and community involvement to ensure students are well-equipped for the workforce.