The Contoocook Valley School District held a School Board meeting on September 16, 2025, focusing on the Career and Technical Education (CTE) program presented by Jen Kiley, the CTE director. The meeting aimed to provide an overview of the CTE program's benefits, current offerings, and future challenges.

Kiley began by introducing the Region 14 Applied Technology Center, which serves three districts: ConVal, Jaffrey-Rindge, and Mascenic. She emphasized the importance of CTE in preparing students for various post-high school pathways, including technical schools, apprenticeships, and direct workforce entry. Kiley highlighted that CTE programs help students earn industry-recognized credentials and gain work-based learning experiences.

The presentation included statistics on CTE participation in New Hampshire, noting that over 9,000 high school students are involved in CTE programs across 28 centers. Kiley discussed the federal Perkins V grant, which allocates approximately $7 million to New Hampshire for CTE funding, emphasizing the need for effective use of these resources to meet industry standards.

Kiley also addressed the challenges faced by CTE programs, including the need for alignment between district calendars and bell schedules to maximize instructional time. She noted that some students may avoid CTE classes due to concerns about their GPA or outdated perceptions of vocational education. Kiley encouraged board members to review Senate Bill 99, which introduces significant changes to CTE funding and student participation.

The meeting also touched on the current CTE offerings, which include nine programs, with some students attending classes at other centers for specialized training, such as health sciences and cosmetology. Kiley mentioned the importance of adapting programs based on labor market data to ensure students are prepared for future job opportunities.

In conclusion, Kiley expressed her commitment to enhancing the CTE program and invited board members to engage in further discussions about its future. The meeting underscored the critical role of CTE in equipping students with the skills needed for success in a rapidly changing workforce.