District approves electrician instructor and moves to lease additional CTE space for workforce programs

The board approved two actions to expand career and technical education (CTE) offerings: a new personnel allocation for an electrician instructor at LaBelle Adult School and a lease for additional training space across North Industrial Loop to support CTE growth.

Superintendent Swindle described the electrician program request as coming from the district’s workforce development director; the board moved and passed the personnel allocation so the district can hire an instructor and begin the electrical program, with an anticipated fall launch. Superintendent Swindle said the district hopes the program will be “an easy fit” given local workforce demand and that the site offers room for one to two additional programs.

The board also approved, by motion, a lease of a building across the street from the existing facility on North Industrial Loop. Attorney Tanner asked the board to approve minor contract edits before final execution: adding language preserving sovereign‑immunity limits and a public‑records clause required for contracts with private entities. Tanner described the proposed changes as editorial and not substantive.

CTE leaders said the district is using labor‑market guidance when selecting programs; the workforce director will match program choices to regional targeted occupations. The board and staff also discussed an ag‑technology grant that will fund equipment and renovations across sites, including precision agriculture tools such as drones and automated field equipment to prepare students for modern agricultural jobs.

Motions to approve the new instructor allocation and to authorize the lease (pending the attorney’s requested edits) passed during the meeting.