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Temple ISD highlights CTE growth, industry certifications and community partnerships
Summary
Sarah Bartlett, Temple ISD director of career and technical education, told the board the district expanded CTE participation, produced 372 industry certifications for the class of 2025, and increased employer partnerships, internships and revenue-generating student programs.
Sarah Bartlett, director of Career and Technical Education for Temple ISD, told the school board on June 9 that the district has expanded career and technical education opportunities and strengthened business partnerships that support student certifications and work-based learning.
"Our vision is to engage, prepare, and inspire students," Bartlett said as she outlined program goals, enrollment and recent accomplishments. She said Temple High School offers access to 13 of 14 programs of study identified by the Texas Education Agency and that more than 90% of Temple High School students can enroll in at least one CTE course.
The presentation gave several concrete measures of growth: the class of 2025 earned 372 industry-based certifications in fields that Bartlett listed, including certified medical assistants, certified nursing assistants, pharmacy technicians, cosmetology licenses and machining and welding credentials. The district reported that roughly 250 students advanced to state and national competitions and that about 250 tax returns were completed by students volunteering through the VITA program, returning roughly $300,000 to community members.
Bartlett also described hands-on projects that serve community needs and generate revenue for programs. The culinary program completed 32 catering events and returned about $42,000 to the program for student activities and field trips, she said. Students worked on tiny-house projects — one completed earlier and two more in progress — where students take part in design, materials procurement and construction; the tiny-house work was previously recognized by a resolution from a board member's office and a ribbon cutting.
The director outlined partnerships and workplace connections that support internships and paid opportunities; she said two students already have paid summer internships at local partner MTC and that the district aims to expand such placements. Bartlett said the department’s outreach to middle and elementary schools has been redesigned to be more hands-on, with student ambassadors leading interactive activities at career days to improve early exposure to pathways.
Board members praised the program’s regional recognition and asked clarifying questions. Bartlett told the board she will continue strengthening counselor collaboration, expanding internships and refining instructional strategies for teachers who come from industry backgrounds.
Looking ahead, Bartlett said the department will continue recruitment, add partner relationships, and work on scaling internship and mentorship opportunities so students can transition more seamlessly into the local labor market.
