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District outlines process and funding limits for new CTE programs
Summary
Curriculum staff walked the board through the ISD and state approval steps, certification hurdles and limited funding for new Career and Technical Education programs.
Curriculum staff gave a detailed presentation on how Tecumseh Public Schools applies for and funds Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, including approval steps at the local, regional (ISD) and state levels, teacher certification requirements and typical funding amounts.
Megan (CTE/curriculum coordinator) told the board the regional ISD evaluates a Comprehensive Local Needs Assessment (CLNA) that looks at regional labor-market demand, student interest and program sustainability. The ISD requires an effective employer-led advisory committee, postsecondary partners, and representation from parents, students and special-population advocates before a program can be approved. Teacher certification is a major constraint: CTE teachers typically must hold both an educator credential and industry experience documented with thousands of work hours; district staff described such candidates as “hard to find.”
On funding, staff explained the federal Perkins grant is routed through ISDs, while Michigan Section 61 CTE per‑pupil allotments vary (roughly $35–$70 per student depending on program demand). The district reported receiving $18,600 in state CTE funding last year — not enough to cover a teacher’s salary. The ISD typically funds only one new program per district in a cycle, commonly providing about $100,000 toward a teacher salary and roughly $10,000 for supplies; districts must provide a 15% local match.
Local program details: Tecumseh staff said the district currently runs computer science (85 students), engineering (18 students, one section) and sends juniors/seniors to the regional tech center (47 students). Overall, about 250 students participate in some form of CTE programming across the district, staff said.
Board members asked whether cosmetology or other programs would be feasible. Staff said cosmetology would face equipment, ventilation and teacher-certification hurdles and would likely require substantial local investment because ISD funding for new programs is limited.
District staff recommended careful planning and early recruitment efforts to build sustainable program enrollment and to identify teachers with necessary industry credentials before applying to the ISD.
