Urbandale Community School District officials on the evening discussed expanding career and technical education (CTE) options and described how such programming could work alongside MetroWest Learning Academy, the district’s alternative education program. District staff also presented five proposed courses for board consideration that focus on career pathways and workforce credentials.

District context: The presentation, led by Stephanie Davis, director of student services, and Mike Moran, director of MetroWest Learning Academy, framed CTE as a districtwide offering available to all students while MetroWest supplies an alternative setting for identified students who need additional academic or social supports. Brandon Schrell, director of teaching and learning, then outlined five proposed courses for the coming year.

Why it matters: District leaders said CTE can provide industry-recognized credentials and direct career pathways for students who choose work-based training as an alternative or complement to two- and four‑year college plans. Presenters said pairing CTE with MetroWest would allow students who need alternative settings to access career training rather than treating the programs as mutually exclusive.

Course proposals: Schrell summarized five new or revised courses:
- Home Maintenance and Repair — an introductory course covering practical household skills; proposed in part to address a shortfall identified during a state manufacturing program review.
- AP Spanish Language and Culture — a restructuring of Advanced Spanish 4 to restore a college-credit pathway through AP testing where concurrent enrollment has not been available.
- Real Estate Principles and Practices — a business‑department course intended to prepare students to sit for a real estate licensing exam; a certified teacher has been identified to teach the course.
- Electrical Quality Pre-Apprenticeship — a pre‑apprenticeship pathway tied to local trade partners; presenters said the Des Moines electrical group has supported reimbursement for students who complete the course and helped place them in apprenticeships.
- Information Technology — a deep dive into IT with alignment to the CompTIA A+ entry-level credential.

Program delivery and partnerships: Presenters said some CTE models operate in separate facilities (Central Campus, Apex) or within high schools, and districts vary in approach. MetroWest staff noted past internship programs (referred to as Stellar) and existing partnerships that could inform future internships and work-based learning. Scheduling and space constraints were raised: staff said they would try to make CTE courses accessible for students who split time between MetroWest and high school schedules, including evening or weekend hours where appropriate.

Board questions and next steps: Board members asked about how district CTE compares with nearby districts (Waukee, Des Moines Public, Ankeny and others were mentioned), dual‑credit availability, sequencing of electives (semester vs. full year), and how the district might incorporate business fundamentals into career pathways. District staff said many details remain to be defined and that planning will involve facilities discussions, scheduling, and partnerships with postsecondary and employer partners. No formal board vote was taken on a CTE program at the meeting; the five courses were presented for consideration.

Ending: Staff said proposals will continue through the district’s review and approval process; board members encouraged continued outreach to community partners and attention to scheduling and space issues as the district considers next steps.