District highlights career‑technical education pathways, releases Discovery Trail guidebook

Leavenworth Schools presented highlights of its strategic plan focused on career and technical education, describing local CTE pathways, postsecondary partnerships and a new Discovery Trail guidebook for families.

A district presenter said the work aligns with Kansas priorities and the state’s career framework; the presentation noted seven major industries and 16 career clusters identified by state guidance. The presenter described 32 individual pathways and said Leavenworth High School offers pathways in all but one major industry (agriculture). The presenter explained that each pathway requires three course levels—introductory, technical and application—and must include an advisory group of field professionals.

The presenter introduced Ms. Durden, identified at the meeting as the district’s new CTE coordinator, and credited her with writing grants, aligning coursework to updated state mandates and advancing individual plans of study (IPS). A trustee called the Discovery Trail guidebook “invaluable” for families; the presenter said copies were e‑mailed to board members and that each pathway landing page includes recommended grade‑level electives, embedded credentialing options and partner programs such as Pioneer Career Center (PCC) and local community college offerings.

Board members asked about embedded credits and whether technical coursework could carry graduation credit in core subjects; the presenter said embedded credit is “at the state level,” requires alignment to core competencies and is being explored. Trustees also asked what would be involved for an agriculture pathway; the presenter said demand (student interest) and resources would be the initial considerations and suggested starting small.

The board received the strategic‑plan update and encouraged continued work on pathway alignment, partnerships and family outreach.