Vancouver Public Schools leaders highlight donor-funded trade center and career programs

Dr. Snell, superintendent, said the district formally opened the Endeavor Trade Center, a new Career and Technical Education facility funded entirely by donors and not by district bonds or general-tax measures. "This was all funded through donor funds, nothing, no district bonds or anything like that were used to open this wonderful facility," Dr. Snell said.

The superintendent and board members said the event included remarks by CTE director Mark Reeth and a flyer that recognized multiple community contributors. Director Barrows said she was "overwhelmed" by the size of the building and specialty equipment and praised large donors for their support. Director Barras described the project as part of a broader community effort that includes other trade-building groundbreakings and elementary-level career outreach events.

The board discussed how the new facility aligns with the district strategic plan and the district's "vision of a graduate," offering alternate pathways for students who plan to enter the workforce directly. Dr. Snell also previewed upcoming board work: a June 3 regular meeting, a study session with progress monitoring for the vision of a graduate and belonging data, interim assessment recommendations, a mental-health update tied to a federal grant reduction, and the public hearing on the budget in the summer months.

Board members noted John Gerard's leadership in bringing donors and partners together to complete the project in under four years. The board will return to these topics in upcoming study and regular meetings for additional data and recommendations.

The committee recessed for an executive session on litigation before adjourning; no decisions on the trade center were made at the committee meeting.