Tiverton High School unveils new plant-science CTE track and expands public-safety academy partnerships

Tiverton — The school committee heard on Jan. 28 that Tiverton High School will launch a new career and technical education (CTE) pathway in plant science, landscaping and groundskeeping and is expanding public‑safety programming in partnership with local law enforcement.

What was presented: Lee Cusimano, identified in the meeting as the school’s CTE coordinator, described a multi-course, multi-year pathway that includes an introduction to landscaping and groundskeeping, greenhouse operations and management, and a choice between AP Environmental Science or Environmental Science and Sustainability. Cusimano said students who complete the four‑year sequence will be eligible for OSHA-10 certification, industrial credits via the NOCTE exam, preparation for the University of Rhode Island pesticide safety exam and the Rhode Island DEM Pesticide Applications License, plus four CCRI credits for a Soil Science online course.

‘‘This particular program is very unique because only very few of these exist in the state, and particularly on this side of the state,’’ Cusimano said, adding that the program will expand opportunities for students who lack nearby access to such training. The district plans to house a portable greenhouse for hands‑on instruction and to sequence credentialing and coursework so students can earn marketable credentials while still in high school.

Staffing and partners: The committee was told that Stephen Weatherall is a new hire who will lead the plant‑science program and that the science department will coordinate greenhouse instruction. Cusimano listed local partners that will support the program, including nurseries, Master Gardeners and URI outreach, and said the middle and elementary schools would be invited to participate in K‑12 STEAM events tied to plant science.

Public-safety pathway: The committee also heard that the district expanded a public-safety and law-enforcement pathway during the current school year. Cusimano credited Lieutenant Leduc, Officer Smalldome and Andy Gachuk (spelling as presented in committee materials) for working with the school to adapt Citizens Police Academy content for classroom delivery so public‑safety students receive academy-style instruction during the school day. The pathway includes visits to the police and fire stations, animal control, crisis‑response demonstrations and integrated forensics and report‑writing modules.

Why it matters: Committee members noted that these CTE offerings provide credentialing, college credits and direct workforce pathways without forcing students to choose between college and career preparation. Officials said the new programs will help raise the school's profile and offer alternatives that may attract families considering other districts.

Logistics and outreach: Cusimano announced a CTE open house scheduled for the week following the meeting; she invited committee members and community partners to attend and to participate in scheduling and work‑study placements.

No vote required: Committee members and administrators said CTE program approvals follow state CTE procedures and that the presentation was intended to inform the committee rather than seek a formal vote.

Upcoming: District staff said they will return to the committee with enrollment planning and further implementation steps, including equipment and partnership agreements, as the program develops.