King George highlights expanded CTE programs, touts work‑based learning and industry credentials

King George County School officials presented an annual report on Career and Technical Education to the King George County School Board, saying the division’s CTE program has expanded course offerings and workforce connections and now serves more than 2,300 students.

At the board meeting, Christine Hill, supervisor of secondary instruction, described CTE as “career and technical education provides students with academic and technical skills, knowledge, and training to help them in their careers in the future.” Hill said the advisory committee meets four times a year and that the division has been increasing business and community participation in the program.

A staff presenter gave program statistics to the board: the division offers 61 elective CTE courses covering 39 career pathways, with 128 sections of CTE classes this year and 2,334 students enrolled across middle and high schools. The presenter said 201 students completed a CTE sequence last year and that students earned 583 industry credentials, including 26 state licensures through the nurse aide program.

Kim Cheslow, assistant principal at King George High School and the administrator who oversees CTE, introduced the report and described efforts to connect students to employers. Terri Rinco, the division’s work‑based learning specialist, outlined recent partnerships and pilots: Germanna Community College is running a three‑year trades class for seniors that begins April 1 and provides federal stipends; the school system reported hiring its first student apprentice with 4 Elements Electric; and a Rappahannock Goodwill grant funds training pipelines aligned to the Career Academy.

Rinco also described the KG Career Academy English 10 pilot, which paired English instruction with industry tours and informational interviews, and previewed eight planned summer externships in county offices and school departments. She said community partners and stakeholders also provided supports such as small stipends and program scholarships for participating students.

Student leaders and CTSO (Career and Technical Student Organization) officers addressed the board during the presentation. DECA, FBLA, HOSA, FFA, NJROTC and SkillsUSA representatives summarized recent competitions, awards and community service: examples included DECA members advancing to state and national competitions, FBLA students qualifying for the state leadership conference, and NJROTC teams competing at national events.

Board members praised the CTE staff and students and encouraged continued community partnerships. The board received the report and thanked staff for the presentation.

Ending: The report highlighted both classroom credentials and outside partnerships the division says are intended to give students direct career pathways after graduation. Board members said they will continue to support CTE expansions while the school system finalizes budget requests and partnerships for the next school year.