Board members reviewed Policy 21 70, the district’s career and technical education (CTE) policy, and discussed steps to strengthen CTE programming, employer partnerships and measures tying programs to employment demand.

A board member noted the policy “will relate to clear career technical education programs to employment demands and, to the needs and interests of students,” and cited a recent cybersecurity curriculum as an example of student-driven program development that matched employment needs. The board asked for clearer language about the board’s role versus staff and committee responsibilities and for a standing report from the district CTE coordinator.

Kelly Powell, the district’s technical education coordinator (referred to in the meeting as Miss Powell), and Paulette were referenced as local CTE contacts; board members said the district’s CTE committee is partnered with Bethel School District because the Bethel skill center houses some of the district’s students. Board members encouraged broader employer engagement—naming local unions such as IBEW and referencing longshoremen and trade organizations that have participated in job fairs—but also acknowledged local industry is limited and that outside philanthropic intermediaries (e.g., Morning Promise, mentioned as a previous partner) may help connect students to off-site placements.

Board members asked staff to get data from WorkSource Washington and other sources about the region’s skills gaps so the board can align CTE and dual-credit offerings (including potential expansion of CTE funding to sixth grade) to local labor demand. The superintendent said he would meet with leaders from other districts to study successful programs and that board members and staff can visit the skill center and receive annual reports.

No policy amendments were adopted at the meeting; board members agreed to schedule a dedicated CTE report on the calendar and to consider amendments or procedural clarifications at a future business meeting.