CTE and ASTE programming remain central to debate over consolidation; district highlights concurrent‑enrollment partnerships

Several speakers at the April 23 forum highlighted career‑technical education and the district’s ASTE (agricultural science and technical education) pathway as programs the community wants preserved or expanded if the district consolidates high schools.

CTE coordinator Mr. Ullman (identified in the forum) and Superintendent Belizzi described how CTE pathways — carpentry/wood shop, culinary, architecture, computer science, child development and health‑care pathways such as CNA preparation — each require different space and equipment. Ullman and Belizzi said the ed specs reflect larger dedicated spaces for some CTE pathways because those programs have specific machinery, safety zones and prep space requirements.

Belizzi said the ASTE agricultural program currently housed at Lyman Hall would not be eliminated. She noted ASTE carries separate grant eligibility; if a consolidated site is chosen, the district would revise ASTE specifications, solicit stakeholder feedback and pursue state or grant funding for that program’s facilities. Multiple community members urged retention and enhancement of hands‑on trade pathways and called for outreach to local employers to maintain relationships and grow opportunities.

On postsecondary credit opportunities, district staff said Wallingford already offers concurrent‑enrollment courses through partnerships with the University of Bridgeport, Southern Connecticut State University and several community colleges. The district reported students currently leave high school with roughly 6–12 college credits on average, and the district continues to expand those offerings.

Speakers asked whether the district could expand dual‑enrollment or degree‑granting opportunities; staff said current models use vetted high‑school instructors approved by partner colleges to grant college credit and that future expansion would be considered as part of program planning.