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Board reviews plans to expand career and technical education at the Carmel Innovation Center
Summary
Staff described plans to use bays at the Carmel Innovation Center for career and technical education pathways—particularly construction technology—and to expose seventh- and eighth-graders to CTE earlier. The board discussed visiting Spencer County to view a junior-high CTE model.
District staff presented options to expand career and technical education (CTE) programming at the Carmel Innovation Center and asked for board feedback on next steps, including piloting construction-technology programming and increasing exposure to CTE for seventh- and eighth‑grade students.
Brandon Watkins (staff member) outlined survey results from local businesses and student interest data that identified high-demand sectors: health care; manufacturing and logistics; construction; education; and professional, scientific and technical services. Watkins said the center’s large garage bays provide a “blank canvas” to add CTE pathways and to expose junior-high students to hands‑on options before they commit to a high‑school pathway.
Mister Howard (staff member) and Watkins described construction technology as a broad, high‑demand pathway encompassing air‑conditioning technology, building construction technology, construction carpentry, electrical technology, heavy equipment, masonry and plumbing. Howard noted that construction tech avoids some of the extra ventilation and safety requirements that accompany welding programs, so it can be a good fit for an existing bay without major mechanical upgrades.
Howard also said Spencer County operates a module CTE program for seventh and eighth graders that allows students to spend a nine‑week block exploring multiple pathways; staff proposed visiting Spencer County to study that model. “They’ve made some really good gains in the last three years,” he said of Spencer County’s program.
Board members supported earlier exposure for students. One trustee said CTE pathways help students who do not intend to attend college to leave high school with “a meaningful diploma” and employable skills. Staff said much of the mechanical work for the Innovation Center exists from prior renovation (HVAC, plumbing) and that initial classroom and equipment setup could be accomplished partly with in‑house work and limited additional spending.
No formal action or appropriation was requested or taken. Staff asked for direction to develop curriculum options, space layouts and cost estimates to return to the board for formal consideration.
If the board approves a pathway and budget in a future meeting, staff said next steps could include selecting curriculum, arranging industry partnerships and identifying electrical or ventilation upgrades tied to the specific pathway chosen.
