CTE director reports rising credential attainment, board approves local CTE needs assessment

The Alexander County Board of Education heard an update on career and technical education programs and unanimously approved the district’s local CTE needs assessment.

CTE director Crystal Hope told the board the program has increased credential attainment in recent years and highlighted partnerships with local employers and Catawba Valley Community College. Hope said the district expanded industry tours, career-expo participation with 30-plus local partners, and work-based learning; she reported 98 interns working at 88 job sites this year, compared with eight when she began in the role after COVID.

Hope said some state and federal CTE funding for 2025–26 decreased, reducing operational funding by “over $80,000,” but the program secured roughly $359,000 in grant funding this past year for targeted projects such as kitchen and greenhouse updates, industry tours and summer camps. She emphasized that many grants are restricted to specific uses and that day‑to‑day operational needs for consumables and staffing still require district support.

Board members praised the expansion of internships, industry tours and teacher externships and noted work to align credentials with local labor-market needs. One board member commented, “exceptionally well done job,” referring to the CTE staff’s outreach and improvement of pathways.

Crystal Hope asked for approval of the local needs assessment (document posted in board materials). Vice Chairman Degenhardt moved to approve; Anthony McClain seconded. The board voted aye unanimously.

Hope said next steps include continuing employer engagement, seeking restricted grant funding for specific projects, and monitoring credential attainment and alignment with community workforce needs. She asked the board to consider support for ongoing operational needs in future budget cycles to sustain and expand CTE programming.