The Camas School District's recent School Board Workshop highlighted significant advancements in Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, showcasing the district's commitment to enhancing educational offerings and community engagement. The meeting, held on September 8, 2025, provided insights into the district's successful audit by the state CTE department, which confirmed that all areas of the program passed with flying colors. This achievement is particularly noteworthy given that larger districts like Evergreen and Vancouver undergo annual audits, while smaller districts may only see such evaluations every 15 to 20 years.

A key focus of the workshop was the upcoming curriculum review process for the business and marketing framework, set to take place in the 2025-2026 school year. The review aims to update educational standards and ensure that the curriculum aligns with current industry practices. The CTE teachers, who are compensated for their additional work, will play a crucial role in this process, collaborating with local businesses to enhance the relevance of the curriculum.

The introduction of a new Advanced Placement (AP) course in personal finance was also discussed, with plans to implement it in the 2026-2027 academic year. This addition reflects the district's ongoing efforts to expand educational opportunities and provide students with essential financial literacy skills.

The workshop also addressed the importance of equivalency crediting, which allows students to earn math or science credits through CTE courses. This initiative aims to broaden the academic pathways available to students and encourage greater participation in CTE programs.

In terms of facilities, the district is exploring ways to modernize its learning environments, particularly in high-cost areas like computer labs. Recent changes in state regulations now allow CTE departments to save funds for capital projects, which could facilitate necessary upgrades.

The meeting underscored the strength of the district's DECA program, which has seen significant student participation and success in competitions. With over 200 students involved, the program not only fosters business acumen but also encourages community engagement through projects that support local organizations.

Looking ahead, the district is eager to strengthen partnerships with local industries, including healthcare, to create more work-based learning opportunities for students. This initiative aims to connect students with professionals in various fields, enhancing their understanding of potential career paths.

Overall, the discussions at the workshop reflect the Camas School District's proactive approach to education, emphasizing the importance of CTE programs in preparing students for future careers while fostering community involvement and support. The next steps include finalizing the curriculum updates and continuing to build partnerships that will benefit both students and the local economy.