Instructional services report: CTE growth, AIG plan and an esports pilot at Pender High

Instructional leaders reviewed career and technical education (CTE) achievements and plans, presented the district’s three‑year academically/intellectually gifted (AIG) plan for 2025–28 and outlined an esports pilot to begin at Pender High School.

CTE updates: the CTE local plan is updated annually. Staff reported strong results: roughly 98% of CTE concentrators (students completing a sequence) achieved positive post‑secondary placement (enrolled, enlisted or employed) in the prior cohort and the district’s CTE concentrator rate among graduating seniors has risen from about 30% to 48.2% over a three‑year trend. Staff said credential attainment rose from roughly 5,000 to over 8,000 and that attainment rates this year are projected at 85–87%. New programming included expanded middle‑school career exploration labs, an agricultural expansion at Pender High (barn, tractor and animals), a certified medical assistant course planned with a local partner and integration of JROTC into CTE.

AIG plan: Dr. Lee and the AIG team presented the three‑year AIG plan (standards 1–6 under state guidance). Staff reported 1,363 identified AIG students (12.4% of district enrollment per the presentation), a program budget of $659,986 (state funding formula based on 4% of ADM) with approximately $558,986 allocated to salaries and the balance for program activities. Staff said AIG students perform at high proficiency levels on state assessments and described identification, curriculum extension, professional development and partnerships. The AIG plan will be returned to the board with an approval/signature page.

Esports pilot: staff described a planned esports team at Pender High to begin next fall, starting with Rocket League (3v3) and participation in Vessel’s high‑school leagues (no district cost reported for Vessel participation). Staff said esports can be a gateway to STEM careers, cited recruitment and scholarship trends and noted student‑engagement and soft‑skill benefits. The district plans phased expansion (start at one high school in fall, expand teams and potentially add middle‑school clubs later) and will require parental permission, a code of conduct and academic/attendance standards for participants. Equipment at Pender High was reported as ready for launch next year; additional sites would require more funding or community support.

Ending: staff asked the board to sign the CTE signature page at the next regular meeting and said the AIG signature sheet will also be brought for board approval. No formal votes were taken on these instructional items at the Committee meeting.